The rise of online shopping and continued competition from other retailers has led Sears Holdings to decide to close 42 of their stores across the country this spring, including two here in Minnesota.

In a statement on Wednesday (January 4) the company said, "Many of these stores have struggled with their financial performance for years and we have kept them open to maintain local jobs and in the hopes that they would turn around. But in order to meet our objective of returning to profitability, we have to make tough decisions and will continue to do so, which will give our better performing stores a chance at success."

The two Minnesota-based stores that will be closing in the spring are the ones located at 12737 Riverdale Boulevard in Coon Rapids, and 1850 Adams Street in Mankato.

The company says that eligible employees at the affected stores will be offered severance packages and will also be given an opportunity to for positions at other area Sears locations. There is no word yet on an official closing date for either of the Minnesota stores, but according to company information liquidation sales will begin as early as January 6 at the stores slated for closure.

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