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Some have called 2009 "The Year without Summer." Instead of spending days at the beach soaking in the sun, many have been wearing long sleeves and jeans. Could snow in August or September be the final chapter in this unpredictable season? While it's highly unlikely that Jack Frost will arrive for Labor Day, meteorologists believe these trends are a preview to a particularly snowy winter ahead.

Sears and Craftsman, America's most trusted tool brand, want you to be ready for the arrival of the first flakes. Craftsman snow throwers have been added to the popular Sears Layaway plan. Now you can plan your purchase, make regularly scheduled payments, and ensure you take home the Craftsman snow thrower of your choice before the first flake of snow hits the ground. And those flakes could come sooner than you think.

"The inclusion of the Craftsman snow throwers in the Sears Layaway plan is another way that Sears is helping our customers prepare for any project," said Martin Lee, vice president and chief marketing officer of tools, lawn & garden for Sears Holdings Corporation. "Not only will they be ready for the unpredictable weather ahead, but they can use the Sears Layaway plan to save up and make a purchase in easy installments."

Taking advantage of Sears Layaway is easy. Visit any local Sears store to select the right snow thrower for you and provide a minimum down payment of 20 percent or $15, whichever is greater. Bi-weekly payments of 25 percent of the remaining balance are required. The Sears Layaway contract is just eight weeks, making it easy for you to have your Craftsman snow thrower home in time for the first snow. For additional information on the Sears Layaway program, visit sears.com/layaway.

Craftsman has the perfect snow thrower to fit your needs and budget. For moderate snowfall, choose the Craftsman model 88970 (208cc 26") Dual-Stage Snow Thrower. Its 26" clearing width, 21" intake height and 4-way single lever joystick chute control, which can rotate up to 190 degrees, allows you to throw the snow where you want it, with minimal effort. The 15" x 5" X-Tracâ„¢ tires provide superb traction, while the Glide Techâ„¢ skid shoes protect the driveway and eliminate scratches. Model 88970 (208cc 26") Dual-Stage Snow Thrower retails for $699.99.

With a clearing width of 30" and a 21" intake height, the Craftsman Professional model 88830 (357cc 30") Dual-Stage Snow Thrower is perfect for handling heavy snowfall. Power Steering gives the consumer the ability to easily maneuver through work with more efficiency. Its 4-way single lever joystick chute control gives precise snow throwing control and the drift cutters allow you to easily slice through snow. The snow thrower is also equipped with 16" x 6.5" X-Tracâ„¢ tires which provide superb traction. This model also features a headlight that illuminates your plowing area for added safety and heated hand grips for added comfort. Model 88830 (357cc 30") Dual-Stage Snow Thrower retails for $999.99.

For more than 80 years, Craftsman has developed innovative products. Craftsman was ranked as the most trusted tool brand in America in the 2008 Harris Interactive Equitrend Brand Study and was recently named favorite hand tool brand by the readers of Popular Mechanics. For more information on Craftsman and Craftsman's wide selection of products including hand tools, power tools, lawn and garden equipment, and storage, visit the www.craftsman.com.

About Sears Holdings:

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fifth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has Martha Stewart Everyday products, which are offered exclusively in the U.S. by Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.

First Call Analyst: Westenberger, Richard
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.; Craftsman

CONTACT: Larry Costello of Sears Holdings Corp., +1-847-286-9036,
lcoste5@searshc.com; or Dan Skinner of Zeno Group +1-312-396-9706,
Dan.Skinner@zenogroup.com, for Craftsman