Tiffin Sears to close

After years of business in the Tiffin community, Sears Hometown Store, 682 W. Market St., will close July 18. Nolan Hill, manager of the Tiffin Sears, said the decision was made by the Sears Co. and announced to him and the store’s six other employees. A close-out sale began Friday, he said, immediately after the announcement was made. Hill said in recent years, two owners have left the business and he was told the decision to close was based on the current lack of ownership of the Tiffin Sears franchise. He said Tiffin Sears might open back up if an owner is found. Hill said the store is offering 30 percent-50 percent off in-store merchandise, although the majority of items are 30-percent off. While warranties on certain items purchased during the sale will be honored by Sears Service, Hill said he doesn’t know how the company will handle returns on sale items after the store is closed. Typically, Hill said, Sears offers a 30-day return policy, but he hasn’t been told if that policy will be honored by other Sears stores on sale merchandise. Hill said the closing means he will be “looking for a new job.”