Whitehall Mall’s Sears store is expected to close in early 2020, according to a recent news release from Transformco, which purchased the store’s assets in February.

This location, 1259 Whitehall Mall, is one of seven Sears or Kmart stores in Pennsylvania set to close.

Transformco has since faced a difficult retail environment and other challenges.

According to the news release, company executives “have been working hard to position Transformco for success by focusing on our competitive strengths and pruning operations that have struggled due to increased competition and other factors.”

To support these initiatives, Transformco owners, along with a third-party investor, have recently provided the company approximately $250 million in new capital.

“As part of this process, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to streamline our operations and close 96 Sears and Kmart stores,” the statement continued.

Going-out-of-business sales at these stores began in early December.

Following these closures, Transformco will operate 182 stores. Company executives said they will continue to evaluate Sears and Kmart operations.

“These businesses will also benefit from the recent acquisition by an affiliate of Transformco of Sears Hometown — a network of more than 400 independently owned and operated, dealer-managed smaller-format stores that are known for offering customers a range of home products, including appliances, lawn and garden, tools and sporting goods.”

To find open stores, visit the Sears and Kmart websites, Sears.com and Kmart.com. Shopping online is also an option.