Florida Has 3 of the Last Remaining Sears Locations

It’s no doubt that the big retailers and department stores have been struggling for the past few years. Nearly any mall you go into, you’ll find a lot of vacant stores. One of the biggest store closings of the past decade has been Sears. You used to be able to find a Sears at the end of almost any mall. You can't find a Sears store in Tampa Bay in 2023, but old Sears locations are turning into a variety of different adventure and arcade spots. In 2010, Sears had nearly 3500 stores in operation, but now only a handful are still open. Where is Sears still open? Florida has 25% of the only Sears stores that still exist with 3 locations throughout the state.

In Florida, you can still find Sears locations in Miami, Palm Beach Gardens, and Orlando. Back in 2018, Sears had announced they only had 700 stores remaining and that they were filing for bankruptcy. Since then, they’ve fallen even further, but in one state there’s still hope. Since there are only 3 Sears locations left in the Sunshine State, that means there is one store for every 7,159,333. 

Earlier this year, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Louisiana all closed their last stores. That is the report from ScrapeHero reported that there were only 12 remaining Sears locations.

Sears was once one of the leading department stores in the world, but has had a constant decline for decades. I remember walking up to almost any mall and seeing a Sears attached to it. Times change and the rise of online shopping has definitely helped speed up the slow demise of the once great department store. 

In California, one new Sears opened in 2023. According to Eric Maenner, the general manager of Burbank Town Center, there would be a new, 3-story Sears opening up. The new Sears location officially opened its doors with a soft-opening to unveil its new center. Signs urged passersbys to “Rediscover Sears'' because there used to be another Sears location in the area. 

Snowcat Ridge, the Florida Snow Park, is coming back for the 2023 season. A lot of people travel to Florida in the winter months to escape the cold and the snow. But locals love getting a taste of winter every year at Snowcat Ridge. The fun returns for nearly four months, and they've added a new feature! Here's what you can enjoy in Dade City.

Florida's first snow park opened in 2020 and is located at 27839 St. Joe Road in Dade City. It has since grown, and tickets for 2023 are now available. Ticket prices online for two-hour snow-tubing sessions from $26.95 to $66.95 for unlimited tubing and VIP Fast Passes, depending on the date of visit.

Whether you enjoy making s'mores, playing in the snow, or enjoying the entertainment, there's plenty to do.

Here are the six attractions you can enjoy at Snowcat Ridge, which features snow tubing, ice skating, a snow play area, igloo rentals, plus a snack and shopping area. In addition, Christmas Lane is added for 2023. Scroll down for more details about each of these attractions.

Since opening, it has become one of the most popular Christmas season destinations in the state with the slopes, snow, and other exciting features. Here's what you can do at Florida Snow Park Snowcat Ridge.

Grab a tube and get ready for the ride of your life! You can grab a single, tandem or family tube. The slope is 60 feet tall and 400 feet long. You can relax as you're taken to the top of the hill on a moving sidewalk.

Bet you never thought you could throw a snowball in Florida. This is where you can do it and build a snowman! The Arctic Igloo is the place to play in the snow and even build a snowman. For the smaller guests, there's a 'Bunny Slope'.

Crystal Ribbon is the place to lace up those ice skates. Glide on the ice, either as a novice or an experienced skater. You can bring your own skates or rent them on site (or online). Ice skating training aids are available for rental while supplies last (training aids may only be used in limited area). Ice is resurfaced at the top of each hour.

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Eskimo Outpost is the place to gather for a party, or a company event, or to bring the entire family. There are private, decorated igloos for up to 25 guests. Located by the Snowy Slopes, the Igloo rental includes views of the slopes, plus the music and light show. You'll even get s'mores kits with a private firepit.

If you're curious about what kind of food you can find at Snowcat Ridge, it's time to visit the Alpine Village. It's the place for food, beer, wine and shopping.

Here's a sample of the tastes available from the variety of food trucks: burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs, fries, pizza, tacos, wings, sweets...

Thirsty? You can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, tea, soda, craft beer and wine.

Once you've gotten something in your tummy, it's time to resume the fun. You can enjoy the Snowcat Ridge Scavenger Hunt. Get your challege card at the park entrance or gift shop, and see if you can win a prize.

From the Alpine Village, you do some holiday shopping, and even see the nightly music and light show.

The latest addition to Snowcat Ridge is the winter wonderland of Santa's Christmas Lane. This is where you can enjoy that Christmas feel.

Visit Santa's Cozy Cabin to meet St. Nick! Hear Christmas tales from Mrs. Claus. Check out Santa's Gift Shoppe and look for festive gifts for everyone. Bring the kids 7 and younger to the Peppermint Play Zone for the playground, games and other activities.

Florida Snow Park Snowcat Ridge is open from November 17th through February 25th. It's closed Christmas Day, and is open selected days in January and February. You can click here to find dates and operating hours. Box office opens 30 minutes before the park opens. Alpine Village opens 15 minutes before park opening. All of the attractions close at the park closing time.