Old 132-year-old department store empire's final shop to open in the 925 area
In the heart of California, the Sears store at Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord stands as the last remaining Sears location in the state. This survival story comes amidst a wave of closures across California, with stores in Whittier and Burbank shutting down in 2025[1].
Once a retail titan with over 3,500 stores at its peak, Sears has faced numerous challenges in recent decades. The rise of e-commerce, increased competition from big-box retailers, declining mall traffic, financial difficulties, and the selling off of iconic sub-brands have all contributed to Sears' decline[5].
The Concord store, like many others, has held on, but its long-term prospects remain uncertain[5]. With few remaining stores, low customer ratings, and a shrinking footprint, it may eventually close or be repurposed[1]. However, specific plans for the Concord store have not been publicly detailed as of mid-2025[5].
For those interested in staying updated on any changes to the Sears in Concord, the 925 News newsletter is a valuable resource. This comprehensive, free newsletter keeps readers informed about everything happening in the Concord area, including events, restaurant openings, local news, and crime reports[2].
Meanwhile, another exciting development is on the horizon for Concord. Boichik Bagels, a new bagel shop, is opening its first store in the Far East Bay, coming soon to Concord[3].
Sears, with its history spanning back 132 years, has been a staple of American retail since the days of the Gold Rush. The Concord store's survival is a testament to its resilience, but its future remains uncertain within a shrinking national brand[4].
[1] Concord Sears Remains as California's Last Standing Sears Store. (2025). 925 News. Retrieved from https://www.925news.com/concord-sears-stores-california-last-standing
[2] Join the 925 News Newsletter. (2021). 925 News. Retrieved from https://www.925news.com/newsletter
[3] Boichik Bagels Opens First Store in Far East Bay. (2025). 925 News. Retrieved from https://www.925news.com/boichik-bagels-concord
[4] Sears Struggles to Adapt to Changing Retail Landscape. (2020). The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/10/business/sears-struggles-to-adapt-to-changing-retail-landscape.html
[5] Sears' Future Remains Uncertain. (2025). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckjones/2025/06/15/sears-future-remains-uncertain/?sh=49e9d9e03b3f
In the uncertain future of the Sears brand, the general-news outlets such as Forbes and The New York Times have reported on Sears' struggling adaptation to the changing retail landscape. Meanwhile, those interested in staying updated on any changes to the Sears in Concord can subscribe to the retail-related news and local news updates provided by the 925 News newsletter.