News

Sears, Kmart launch Facebook program for new college students

July 25, 2010

Getting ready for college is an exciting time, but it can also be an overwhelming affair for students and parents with so many important decisions to make. To help, Sears and Kmart have launched their "Campus 2010" digital program to make the transition a little bit easier and help ensure your first year of college is memorable. According to the companies, the new digital platform is part of Sears' and Kmart's commitment to providing a multi-channel shopping experience to their customers.

Campus 2010 is centered around a Facebook page called "Sears Campus Connection," which provides several features that serve as a resource for teens in preparing for campus life. Participants can take advantage of the wish list, which works similar to a wedding registry, to share graduation gift ideas with friends and family. Teens can even find their soon-to-be dorm roommates online and learn more about each other through a profile feature within the application before they meet in person. Plus, they can each create a coordinating dorm room by pulling items into a dream board where they can discuss decorating ideas and shop together online, all via the application.

The Campus Connection page also provides students with a forum to chat with their future classmates and friends online about campus-related topics, such as class schedules, dorm essentials and what to expect. Discussions are led and moderated by college students currently enrolled at Indiana University, for a true-to-life account of experiences and advice.  Students can also use the Campus Connector application to tag high school friends, their future roommate, and new college friends, which can serve as a great tool for making introductions and remaining connected through a broader social network.

"Campus 2010 is designed to empower teens and parents to build their home away from home with quality items that will bring them confidence," said John Goodman, executive vice president, SHC Apparel and Home Fashions. "It is our mission to give moms and teens the help they need while preparing for college, providing them with stylish options that are all within their budgets."