Sears to Trim Dean Witter and Coldwell Outlets

Sears, Roebuck & Co. will significantly reduce the in-store presence of both its financial services and real estate operations but expand its insurance outlets, a spokesman said Monday.

The number of Dean Witter Reynolds financial service outlets in Sears stores will be reduced by half--to about 150 from about 300--and almost all the Coldwell Banker real estate offices in about 220 stores will be converted to marketing and referral booths, Sears spokesman Douglas A. Fairweather said.

Operations at the company’s 824 in-store Allstate Insurance offices will be bolstered, however, he said.

Fairweather said there would be a “minimal” effect on both personnel and Sears’ bottom line as a result of the changes.