Stuart Sears among nearly 100 stores closing nationwide

STUART, FLA - Just days after Christmas, Sears announced the closing of more than 80 stores nationwide.  

"I'm from Pennsylvania, I grew up with Sears.  It was always a great place to go to shop, and I still remember the Sears catalog, from when I was a young person," said Paul Minicozzi, a lifetime customer of the struggling retailer.

Among those doomed stores is Sears' Stuart location on Federal Highway.  

"Sorry to hear it because perhaps there are people in here who have given me great customer service, who are very worried, and may be losing their jobs," said Minicozzi.

On Friday, the doors opened on a liquidation sale, intended to clear shelves, before the exact closing date is announced.  

"I hate to see any store go out of business.  It's going to effect people, and I come in here once in a while, I shop here," said Jack Cerreta, another longtime Sears shopper.

According to Sears representatives, store employees will be notified of any open positions within the company, but will have to apply, just like everyone else.