Merchant Richard Sears and watchmaker Alvah C. Roebuck began their collaboration in 1887 by selling mail-order watches advertised in newspapers.
In 1889, Sears produced his first catalog of watches and other jewelry.
By 1893, when the name Sears, Roebuck & Co. was first used, the business included clothing, furniture, baby carriages, and more.
A century later, in 1993, it was announced that the general catalog would cease publication.