Handwritten signs had replaced most of the printed signs in the Virginia stores we visited.
Some signs were messy and hard to read.
Others were confusing, like this one that seemed to indicate that Sears shoppers would earn $3 for buying this stroller.
Some signs, like these, were pretty straightforward.
For comparison, here's what Sears' machine-printed signs looked like last year at one of the same stores we visited.
There didn't seem to be a uniform approach to advertising the deals on the handwritten signs.
While most of the signs advertised discounts, this one highlighted what it called an "every day great price."
The discounts also seemed somewhat random.
A large majority of retail promotions advertise discounts in multiples of five, such as 10% off or 25% off.
Sears' signs advertised more specific discounts, like 63% off ...
One sign was missing its merchandise ...
... and while most of the signs were handwritten, there were still some printed signs throughout the stores.
For example, these "manager specials" were printed.
If you're a Sears employee with a story to share, contact this reporter at hpeterson@businessinsider.com.
