During the last several weeks, speculation has run rampant about the future of retail giant Sears after company officials said “substantial doubt exists” as to whether or not it could continue operating in its recent annual report.

While the question as to whether or not the company will remain in business throughout the next several years remains unanswered, not every business carrying the Sears name has its fate hinging the successes and failures of the main corporation.

The Dowagiac Sears Hometown store, for instance, would not be affected by any store closings, downsizing or other decisions handed down by executives from the Sears corporation. The Sears Hometown and Outlet Store Inc., a publicly traded company that operates independently from the Sears Holding Corporation, operates the Dowagiac store, along with other hometown locations across the country.

In other words, regardless of what happens to other Sears retailers, the Dowagiac store will keep on going, said owner John Fox.

Sears’ future has been a topic of discussion since the company released its annual report on March 21. While officials stated in the document there is concern the company could close down, they also believe it is “probable” that by amending the company credit line, cutting costs and selling assets will solve the recent woes the company has experienced over the past several years, where it has lost $10 billion.

Whatever decisions the corporation makes will not have an effect on the Dowagiac store, though.

Since 2012, though, Sears Hometown stores such as the Dowagiac location operate under the umbrella of Sears Hometown and Outlet Store Inc. The health of the Sears Holding Corporation is in no way a reflection of the sales and performance of the smaller stores, according to a release from the company.

The Dowagiac store, located at 56153 M-51 S, sells the same home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, mattresses, power tools and other non-apparel items customers can find in a traditional Sears location, but in a store much closer to home, Fox said.

The Dowagiac business turns 20 years old in June.

For more information, call (269) 782-1953 or visit searshometownstores.com/home/mi/dowagiac/3610.