e-business transformation at the crossroads: Sears' dilemma

This teaching case discusses the challenges facing Sears, Reobeck and Co., a leading retailer in United States, in its efforts to transform itself into an effective brick-and-click organization. In face of intense competition from other retailers and online e-tailers, Sears has continually expanded its online efforts in e-business transformation. This case traces the key e-business initiatives taken by Sears and highlights significant managerial challenges that were encountered during the formulation and execution of an effective e-business transformation strategy. The case presents the issues faced by a new CIO who had taken over the technology and e-business affairs at Sears at the end of 2002.