Sears Development and Test Lab

The Sears Development and Test Lab (also referred to as the Principal Product Testing Laboratory) was housed in a key building within the Sears Complex, an L-shaped, six-story brick structure completed in 1905. This facility shifted from catalog printing (1905–1926) to serving as Sears' primary testing hub for about 40 years, roughly 1926–1966. It played a crucial role in the company's golden era, vetting everything from appliances and tools to sporting goods and boats (like the Fleetwind sailboat) under simulated real-world conditions. The lab embodied Sears' commitment to "satisfaction guaranteed" by preventing faulty products from shipping, saving costs and building trust. At its peak, the complex employed over 16,000 workers and processed 250,000 orders daily, with the lab ensuring quality amid explosive growth.