Sears Holdings Corp. is letting consumers buy online and pickup in-store via various mobile platforms, a key element of its strategy to drive sales by connecting its bricks-and-mortar stores to the digital world.

Sears Holdings Corp. is letting consumers order groceries, pharmaceutical prescriptions and other products using their smartphones and pick them up at the nearest Kmart or get them delivered.

With more big-box retailers and department store chains such as Sears launching commerce-enabled applications for Apple’s iPad and other tablets, merchants must position their offerings to differentiate from competitors.

Almost one year ago we reviewed some of the top retailers’ mobile applications. Now with holiday season here once more, it is time for a second look at those brands, along with a few others.

Sears Holdings Corp.’s Kmart is turning to location-based mobile initiatives to encourage consumer loyalty and repeat purchases during the holiday season.

Nine percent of all consumers plan to redeem mobile coupons or other discounts during back-to-school sales, according to Deloitte.

Retailers should be making full use of mobile commerce tools to drive their back-to-school promotions, according to a Sears executive.

In an exclusive interview, a Sears Holdings executive discussed the mobile strategy for Kmart and the retail giant’s mobile Web sites and smartphone applications.

Sears Holdings and Target tied at third place for the 2009 Mobile Retailer of the Year award.

Since SMS is compatible with all handsets, it is an important component of holiday marketing campaigns – if used correctly.