Sears moves its headquarters to Hoffman Estates, Ill.

"Softer side of Sears" ad campaign debuts.

Sears spins off Dean Witter, sells 20 precent of Allstate, and sells all stakes in Coldwell Banker and the Sears Mortgage Banking Group.

The "Big Book" catalog is discontinued.

Arthur Martinez is named chairman.

Sears becomes a founding sponsor of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Sears makes more than 5,000 Craftsman tools available online.

The Great Indoors store concept is launched.

Wishbook.com is launched.

"The good life at a great price, guaranteed" ad campaign debuts.

Sears Direct is launched, combining specialty catalogs, telemarketing, direct mail, and the Internet into one, customer-responsive function.

The Great Indoors debut, first store opens in Denver, CO.