Many Moms Opt for Tools Over Roses in Sears Survey of Women Homeowners

Not all moms are hoping their families say it with flowers this Mother's Day. One-third of all respondents in a nationwide survey of women homeowners said they would rather receive a dozen tools than a dozen roses this Mother's Day. The survey was commissioned by Sears, Roebuck and Co. (NYSE: S) and conducted by the national research firm of Mathew Greenwald & Associates between March 27 and April 18.

The strong interest in home improvement has attracted more women, moms included, to become involved in home and yard projects. While traditional Mother's Day gifts will touch the hearts of many moms across the country, gift givers would be wise to acknowledge that some moms have different interests. Eighty-three percent of the women surveyed said working with tools makes them feel more empowered.

From basic homeowner's tool sets to the latest in laser-integrated technology, Sears has a full range of tools to equip women homeowners. The Craftsman EX 19.2 volt Combo Kit ($149.99) includes a cordless drill, cordless trim saw and cordless work light with two rechargeable batteries. And it comes with a free carrying pouch. The Craftsman Laser Trac level ($39.99) is great household tool that helps with a wide range of jobs, from hanging pictures to hanging cabinets.

Sears also has what it takes to cultivate a great start this spring. The cordless Craftsman electric trimmer with Hassle Free head ($49.99) can be used all over the yard. The cordless Craftsman grass shears and shrub clippers combo ($39.99) will give her even more control over the great outdoors. The stainless steel blades stay sharp and resist rust.

For mothers that don't yearn to actively participate in the home improvement movement or lack the time or ability to take on repair projects, a visit from a skilled technician from Sears' Product Repair Services group could be just the right present this year. A call to 1-800-4MY-HOME can arrange a technician visit anywhere in the country to fix a dryer that's not quite right or do preventative maintenance on a heating and air conditioning system or every appliance in the house.

Among traditional gift ideas, Mother's rings and lockets deliver heartfelt messages on Mother's Day. Other selections include new spring colors across all apparel categories, as well as digital cameras or camcorders. Whether traditional gifts or something different this year, Sears covers a lot of bases around the home.

   -- The Family Spray ring, available at Sears for $119.88, features up to
      five birthstones in a unique design.  Sears has nine different locket
      styles to choose from, including a 10K gold locket with a Mother's Joy
      cameo on an 18-inch chain for $259.99.
   -- Apostrophe camisoles in five colors are a great wardrobe addition at 2
      for $20.  Or put together an outfit of Lands' End sleeveless rib tee
      (starting at $15) and Lands' End flat-front cotton chino shorts that
      come in your choice of four colors for $28.
   -- Camera and camcorders abound in Sears' electronics department, from
      digital to conventional, from DVD to Super 8 formats, Sears has lots
      of choices for every budget.

The nationwide telephone poll looked at the home care knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of 603 female homeowners. The survey base included 301 married or cohabiting women homeowners and 302 single women homeowners. The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 3.9%. The margin of error for the sub- samples of married/cohabiting and single women homeowners is +/- 5.5%.

About Sears

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. With revenues in 2003 of $41.1 billion, the company offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,300 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the U.S. and Canada, which includes approximately 870 full-line and 1,100 specialty stores in the U.S. Sears also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears is the only retailer where consumers can find each of the Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End brands together -- among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the largest provider of product repair services with more than 14 million services calls made annually.

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.

CONTACT: News Media Contact, William B. Masterson of Sears, Roebuck and
Co., +1-847-286-2304

Web site: http://www.sears.com/