Sears, once an appliance powerhouse, sees sales shrink despite growing demand

CHICAGO - After a quarter century with the same countertops and cabinets in their Glen Ellyn home, the Cook family decided it was time for a change.

Many changes, actually - among them a full lineup of new appliances.

"This is the first stop, but it won't be the only one," said Tracey Cook, 49, while her family browsed last month at a Lowe's in Carol Stream.

In years past, Sears would likely have been the first stop for families like the Cooks. The chain - aided by its trusted Kenmore brand - long dominated sales of appliances like refrigerators, ranges, washers and dryers. But at a time when major appliances are seeing rapid sales growth and reliably drawing shoppers into bricks-and-mortar stores, the struggling retailer's hold on the category has slipped.

Big-box specialty chains like Home