Sears--Where America’s Leader Shops

WASHINGTON — Taking only 10 cars more than most people would require on a Christmas shopping trip, President Bush left the White House Thursday to spend 20 minutes at a Sears store in Washington searching for gifts for some of his 11 grandchildren.

The President, whose personal shopping expeditions have taken him to a high-tone men’s store in downtown Washington when seeking clothing for himself, emerged from the department store with at least three items.

A White House official refused to disclose what the President bought, saying: “He wants to keep it a surprise.”

Bush’s 11-vehicle motorcade deposited him inside the store, entering at the auto service bay. He worked from a shopping list and was said to have paid cash for his purchases.