Sears Files for Chapter 11 Amid Plunging Sales, Massive Debt

Sears filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Oct. 15, 2018, buckling under its massive debt load and staggering losses. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File
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NEW YORK—Sears filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Oct. 15, buckling under its massive debt load and staggering losses.

The question now is whether a smaller version of the company that once towered over the American retail landscape can remain viable or whether the iconic brand will be forced out of business.