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International Builders' Show -- Sears, the nation's leading retailer of energy-efficient appliances, today unveiled the Kenmore Elite Oasis(ST) SteamCare dryer and Oasis(HT) washer, which combine a practical steam function in the dryer with powerful cleaning in a top load washer. Making its debut at Sears stores in March 2008, the new laundry pair stays true to the brand's design and performance roots while offering enhanced energy and water efficiency.

"At Sears, we work to provide a more convenient and simple laundry shopping experience, and our studies show that a majority of homeowners still prefer top load options due to their capacity and price,(1)" said Tina Settecase, vice president and general manager for home appliances at Sears. "By integrating our exclusive cleaning and steam features in both Kenmore Elite top load and front load laundry formats, we are able to deliver unmatched appliance choice to our consumers."

Steam, Clean and Green

Kenmore Elite's SteamCare technology, first introduced in the HE(5t)â„¢ Steam Dryer in 2007, harnesses the power of steam by saturating dry clothing with a fine mist of water while simultaneously heating the interior of the appliance. The water and heat work together to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and odors, so consumers can avoid washing an article of clothing that may only need refreshing, saving both water and energy.

The new Oasis(HT) washer cleans better than any other model among leading brand top loaders, offering features like gentlewash™ technology to clean delicate items and Catalyst® Cleaning Action to help ensure bright whites. The TimedOxi™ option, available in a top load model for the first time through Oasis(HT), releases oxygen-based stain fighters at the precise time for powerful stain-fighting performance. Additionally, the washer is certified by the National Sanitization Foundation to eliminate 99.9 percent of certain bacteria found in clothes, sheets and towels.

Kenmore continues to deliver on high efficiency with this newest addition to the Oasis line up, as both models are more efficient than first generation Oasis HE models, surpassing ENERGY STAR® standards and reaching Tier II Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) ratings. In fact, the Oasis(HT) washer saves 63 percent more water and 65 percent more energy than comparable laundry pairs on the market(2). Adding to the efficiency, the Save Energy Plus feature conserves up to 20 percent more energy by extending wash times using cold water in cycles that may typically use hot water.

Top-Rated Features

The Oasis(HT) washer's Invizible Agitatorâ„¢ sits low in its drum, allowing more space for clothing or bulky items like comforters and winter coats. Transparent, tinted glass doors on both the washer and dryer deliver a unique aesthetic, and consumers interested in second floor installation will be comforted to know that the Kenmore Elite Oasis creates the fewest vibrations in the industry.

The Oasis(HT) washer offers Kenmore Canyon Capacityâ„¢ -- 4.6 cubic feet of cleaning space that efficiently cleans up to 24 bath towels in a single load. Also available in the Oasis(ST) dryer, the exclusive 7.4 cubic feet Canyon Capacity ensures that a full load from the washer will be effectively dried.

TurboDryâ„¢ technology in the Oasis(ST) dryer uses a 35 percent larger blower to increase airflow, drying a load of laundry more quickly than it takes to wash one. The Dual Action Dryingâ„¢ system also contributes to faster dry times by simultaneously promoting airflow and tumbling. Gentleheatâ„¢ technology uses an advanced computer to measure air temperature and moisture more accurately and calculate exactly how long a cycle should run, resetting the temperature as needed to improve fabric care

Price and Availability

The Oasis(HT) and Oasis(ST) pair will be available in white in March 2008 at for the regular retail price of $1,099. SteamCare and energy efficiency are also available in the HE(5t) Steam Laundry pair in white and the designer color, barolo. Prices range from $1,499 to $1,599 for washers and $1,199 to $1,299 for dryers depending on color. Base pedestals retail for $259.99 each in color and $229.99 each in white.

About Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,400 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes approximately 926 full-line and 1,100 specialty stores in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End -- among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at .

  (1)  2007 study conducted by Smith-Dahmer Associates on behalf of Sears.
  (2)  Based on conventional washers manufactured before 2004, using the
       normal cycle.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: lcoste5@sears.com

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.

CONTACT: Larry Costello of Sears, Roebuck and Co., +1-847-286-9036,
lcoste5@searshc.com; or Kara Cook, +1-312-616-2404, kcook@ckpr.biz, for Sears,
Roebuck and Co.

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