Sears Reported to Be Ready to Put McDonald’s in Stores

In a venture that would link the world’s largest retailer with the world’s largest fast-food chain, Sears, Roebuck & Co. is reportedly negotiating a deal to put McDonald’s restaurants in Sears stores.

Although the number of restaurants and the specific Sears stores had not been determined, a final pact between the two companies is near, Crain’s Chicago Business reported Sunday.

“It’s just about a done deal,” a source with close ties to McDonald’s was quoted as saying.

McDonald’s has already opened a prototype outlet in a Sears store in a Pittsburgh mall.

McDonald’s officials would not comment, but a Sears spokesman acknowledged the two companies had been talking about the venture.

Last spring, Sears began selling a line of children’s clothing called McKids inspired by McDonald’s advertising characters. And a Sears merchandise giveaway will be part of a soon-to-be-unveiled McDonald’s advertising campaign.