The Online Side of Sears

Beginning yesterday, visitors to the (www.sears.com) Sears, Roebuck & Co. Web site can apply for a Sears Card and buy gift certificates online. The credit card application includes instant approval, the Chicago-based company says. The new functionality comes along with a general expansion of the retailer's Web site, which now includes a tool shopper portal, a search service that helps customers find tools online.