Sears fights for appliance sales. (Breaking News).(is offering refrigerators and dishwashers at some of its Sears Hardware stores)(Brief Article)

In an attempt to boost Its lagging appliance business, Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears is now offering refrigerators and dishwashers at some of its freestanding Sears Hardware stores to attract customers who don't shop at the retailer's traditional department stores.

Sears started selling appliances last week at eight of its more than 160 stand-alone hardware stores. The company has been losing customers to retailers like Home Depot and electronics retailer Best Buy.

Although Sears is still the industry leader in home appliance sales with a market share of 39 percent, that number has slipped from 41 percent in 2001. To combat further decline, Sears has …