corporate info

TORONTO, Sep 30, 2004 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Sears Canada Inc. and Estee Lauder have joined forces once again for the third annual 'Give Someone Hope' campaign. The campaign which officially kicks off on October 1st and runs until October 31st at all Sears Estee Lauder counters, helps raise awareness and funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF), with the sale of HOPE, a special commemorative teddy bear.

This year in Canada, an estimated 21,200 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 5,200 will die from it. "Sears is committed to helping and supporting Estee Lauder in its commitment to fighting breast cancer," said Brent Hollister, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sears Canada Inc. "We have had an incredible response to our efforts from our customers and associates since our participation in this worthy cause three years ago. Breast cancer affects so many people. HOPE is Sears' way of making a difference."

Sears 2004 HOPE bear sports a pink hoodie and has the trademark pink ribbon embroidered on her left foot and the year, 2004, embroidered on her right foot to mark the year and encourage bear collections over the years to come. HOPE is exclusive to Sears and sells for $10.00, with a portion of the proceeds going to the CBCF to aid research. Consumers are invited to visit Sears Estee Lauder counters to purchase HOPE and to obtain free pink ribbons and informational bookmarks. Sears also invites customers to write a brief message of hope, support, well wishes, or a remembrance on special dedication boards.

Sears Estee Lauder counters will also feature the 2004 Pink Ribbon Collection of products that include a new Pink Jewelled Compact, a Pure Colour Crystal Lipstick in Elizabeth Pink and a Pink Ribbon Jeweled Pin.

Sears has also commissioned a limited edition women's pink hoodie ($24.99) -- inspired by the pink hoodie worn by HOPE -- to support the important efforts of the CBCF.

New for this year, Sears is delighted to offer 2 exclusive styles of Braubles, a uniquely Canadian fashion jewelry accessory that can be discreetly worn on the straps of lingerie for a little "heart to heart" or strappy tanks, eveningwear, even the belt loops of your favorite denim pieces, as a fun and flirty form of self-expression. Silver-plated with genuine "Hope Pink" crystals, these designs were created to inspire, empower and celebrate. Braubles are exclusive to Sears and sell for $10.00.

"The response to our campaign last year was overwhelming. Sears raised $100,000 with the sale of the 'Forever Hope' bear," said Hollister. "We hope to build upon last year's achievements and raise even more money."

In addition to the sale of HOPE, the pink hoodie and Braubles, Sears will once again participate in 'Run for the Cure'. 'Team Sears' is a nationally coordinated team of Sears associates and their families who will run/walk for the cure on October 3rd, 2004.

"I am so grateful to Sears and all of our Beauty Advisors for their commitment and support on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness," said Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice-President, Estee Lauder Companies Inc. "Their involvement inspires all of us. By working together and spreading information, we can reduce fear and increase knowledge, thereby increasing survival. With the help of Canadians nationwide, we truly believe that there can be a cure in our lifetime."

HOPE is the perfect gift of remembrance for anyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer, and for anyone that wants to support this important cause. HOPE, the pink hoodie and Braubles are available exclusively at all Sears department stores across Canada. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

    Estee Lauder 2004 Pink Ribbon Collection
    ----------------------------------------

    Pink Ribbon Jewelled Compact, $65.00
    Pink Ribbon Jewelled Pin, $20.00
    Pure Color Lipstick in Elizabeth Pink, $30.00 - created for Elizabeth
    Hurley's favourite shade of pink (x)available for sale year-round to
    benefit breast cancer research.

Sears Canada, the retailer with the most extensive multi-channel network in the country, began serving customers in 1953. The Company has 48,000 associates and, in an independent consumer survey, ranks high in customer service, trust, respect, and quality products and services. There is a Sears location within a 10-minute drive of 93% of Canadians, and Sears is dedicated to providing them with quality merchandise and exceptional service coast to coast through its 122 full-line department stores, 47 Sears Home stores, over 2,200 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 150 dealer stores, 12 outlet stores, 51 floor covering centres, 112 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: Two photos accompanying this release are available on the Canadian Press Photo Network/

VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=58312

CONTACT:          For further information: Contact: Eliana Cugini, Sears Corporate
                  Communications, (416) 941-4426, ecugini(at)sears.ca

News release via Canada NewsWire, Toronto 416-863-9350  

Copyright (C) 2004 CNW, All rights reserved

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.