Sears, Roebuck & Co. plans to open...

Sears, Roebuck & Co. plans to open a chain of McKids clothing and toy stores as part of a continuing strategy to expand its specialty operations. Chicago-based Sears said it would establish between 20 and 40 outlets over two years under an exclusive license from McDonald’s Corp., its partner in previous promotional ventures. The first of the McKids stores is due to open later this month in Chicago’s Century City Shopping Center. The stores will feature national brand children’s clothes, books and toys as well as products made under the McKids label. They also will feature a variety of activities for children, such as story hours, a puppet theater and a computer learning station.