The department store is a distinctly American institution. Back in the day, none was more engrained in our culture than Sears.

At its height, it felt like there was a Sears in every town. Sure, it wasn't the fanciest department store, but it sold great quality products that got the job done.

Not only did we all shop at Sears throughout our lives, we probably knew someone who worked there, too. 

Earlier this week, the company admitted it might not have much longer to survive. 

"Our historical operating results indicate substantial doubt exists related to the company's ability to continue as a going concern," the company stated in a report. 

In other words, Sears will close its doors if nothing changes in the near future. 

Competition from big box retailers like Walmart and Target, along with the advent of online shopping, has caused Sears' influence to nose dive over the last couple decades. The company employs more than 140,000 people around the world. 

To cope with the potential loss of one of our favorite department stores, let's look back on some of our favorite covers of the Sears Wish Book. How many do your remember?

1952 

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1956 

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1958 

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1959 

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1962 

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1964 

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1966 

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1968 

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1969 

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1970 

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1971 

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1972 

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1975 

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1977 

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1979 

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1980 

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