Montgomery Ward closed its remaining stores in early 2001, ending its 128-year history as a brick-and-mortar retailer.
Is Montgomery Ward going out of business?
Montgomery Ward announced it would close after 128 years of operation in December 2000.
Years of financial struggles and competition from online retailers finally caught up with them. The company liquidated all 250 retail locations and shut down completely in 2001. After the shutdown, the brand got sold and relaunched as an online-only retailer in 2004, but never reopened physical stores again.
Who bought Montgomery Ward?
The Montgomery Ward brand was acquired in 2008 by Colony Brands, Inc.
Colony Brands started as The Swiss Colony, a family-owned direct-to-consumer company. They kept the Montgomery Ward catalog and mail-order legacy alive. Today, the brand operates mostly through e-commerce and seasonal catalogs rather than physical stores.
Did Sears buy out Montgomery Ward?
No, Sears did not buy Montgomery Ward; the two companies remained separate.
Sears did hire nearly 900 former Montgomery Ward employees after the 2001 closure, though. They scooped up retail associates and product service technicians to expand their own service offerings during that time.
How many Montgomery Ward stores were there?
At its peak, Montgomery Ward operated 250 retail stores in 1997.
By 2000, they had 250 stores spread across 30 states. Every single one closed permanently by early 2001. These days, the Montgomery Ward name only survives through online sales and catalogs run by Colony Brands.
Why is it called Monkey Wards?
The nickname "Monkey Wards" originated from a Dallas store that featured a live monkey exhibit in the 1960s.
Some Montgomery Ward locations in the mid-20th century used animals like monkeys to draw in families. The playful nickname stuck and still pops up among people who grew up with the brand. The term is often used nostalgically by those who remember the brand’s unique marketing tactics.
What is the meaning of Ward’s?
The term "ward" refers to a minor placed under the legal guardianship of a court or guardian.
This has nothing to do with the founder's last name, though. Aaron Montgomery Ward's name came from his first and last names, not from the word "ward" as used in guardianship.
Who owns Sears now?
Transformco, a company led by investor Eddie Lampert, owns Sears as of 2026.
Transformco picked up Sears’ assets in 2019 after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. Sears’ remaining stores operate under this ownership, with only a handful still open as of 2026.
Is Sears Roebuck still in business?
Sears remains in business in 2026, but only with a small number of stores nationwide.
Early 2026 shows fewer than 20 Sears full-line department stores still operating. The company has mostly shifted to online sales and smaller formats like Sears Hometown Stores. Its iconic catalog and mail-order legacy lives on digitally.
Is Kmart still in business?
Kmart is still in business in 2026, but only 18 stores remain open.
Transformco, which also owns Sears, acquired Kmart in 2019 after it emerged from bankruptcy. Most Kmart locations have closed since then, leaving just a handful operating in select states.
What did Montgomery Ward invent?
Montgomery Ward pioneered the mail-order catalog business model in 1872.
Founder Aaron Montgomery Ward created the first general merchandise catalog. This let rural customers order products by mail, making retail accessible outside cities. It set the foundation for modern e-commerce, honestly one of the most important retail innovations of the 19th century. The catalog’s success even influenced later movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott by connecting communities.
Is Montgomery Ward affiliated with Fingerhut?
No, Montgomery Ward is not affiliated with Fingerhut as of 2026.
Montgomery Ward is owned by Colony Brands, Inc., while Fingerhut belongs to Bluestem Brands, Inc. Both companies operate in mail-order and online retail but under completely separate ownership and branding.
When did the Montgomery Ward catalog start?
The first Montgomery Ward catalog was published in August 1872.
It started as a single sheet with 163 items priced at $1.60. By 1874, the catalog had ballooned to 32 pages. The catalog became a cultural icon and shaped American retail for generations. Its impact can still be seen in modern mail-order businesses today.
Who is the CEO of Montgomery Ward?
As of 2026, Montgomery Ward does not have a publicly named CEO.
The brand operates under Colony Brands, which is privately held and doesn’t share executive names publicly. The last CEO with a public name was Roger Goddu, appointed in the early 2000s. Leadership may have changed since then.
What is Monkey Wards?
Monkey Wards is an informal term for Montgomery Ward, the former mail-order and retail company.
The nickname came from in-store animal exhibits, including monkeys, which attracted families. Now it’s used nostalgically by those familiar with the brand’s history or who grew up with its catalogs and stores. The term reflects the brand’s playful marketing strategies.
What is the meaning of Ward s?
a person, especially a minor, who has been legally placed under the care of a guardian or a court.
This legal term describes someone, particularly a minor, placed under court or guardian supervision. It’s completely unrelated to the Montgomery Ward brand name.
