Forsyth County's second Sears location, which opened Sunday on Market Place Boulevard in Cumming, is a continuation of the company's new trend.

Like the other local store, on Hwy. 141 in south Forsyth, it is not attached to a shopping mall and features only appliances. The national chain has ditched its clothing, electronics, tools garden supplies and other sections in favor of the showrooms.

"People that are looking strictly for appliances, without having to go to the mall can come here," said Steve Cowart, assistant manager at the new store.

"We actually opened the first home appliance showroom in Houston, Texas, in the spring of 2007 and it's migrated to eight states."

By the end of the year, there will be about 44 appliance showrooms nationwide.

With just washers and dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves and other major appliances, Cowart said they can hit a more targeted audience.

"There will always be a need for the other stores, but eventually I think this is the future of Sears," he said. "Our dollar amount per transaction ticket is higher than the mall store."

The Sears appliance showrooms may be smaller than mall stores, but they offer the same appliances. Forsyth's new Sears is about 5,500 square feet and created eight new jobs.

Kenmore, the Sears brand appliance line remains the most popular seller, but Cowart said they carry LG, Whirlpool and Frigidaire products, among other brands.

Cowart, who transferred from the Sears at North Point Mall, said the showrooms are geared more toward customer service.

"When somebody comes in, we offer them a drink and try to build a rapport with the customer and make them really want to come back and tell their friends about us," he said. "With all the competition, we try to make sure the experience is going to be really good for them."

Scott Whelchel, past president of the North Georgia Board of Realtors, said having more appliance options nearby, will serve a need in the housing market.

"Sears is a well-known brand name and they'll continue to make good products," he said. "I think it's definitely something we can use in the county."

Whelchel said Sears representatives attended the Results Realty Services sales meeting a few weeks ago.

"They actually came to our office and said, 'We're targeting Realtors and trying to find different ways to help the consumer, help the Realtors and help the industry as a whole to get our products out there,'" he said. "It's thinking outside the box, which a lot of companies are just not doing."

The Market Place Boulevard store opened in time for Christmas, though Cowart said that's not actually their busy season.

"Generally, the fourth quarter is not as busy as spring and summer, when people ... tend to want to replace their appliances," he said. "But we expect to do good."