Sears Auto Center, Middletown NY

Traditionally, I wouldn't expect Sears auto service to be worth raving about, but I think they may really be stepping up their game. I started at the Sears Auto 800 number where a representative, Hilda, was incredibly helpful. I was shopping for inexpensive tires with a tread wear warranty and a lifetime wheel alignment (you pay about double the normal alignment price
 and can have the alignment checked and corrected at any Sears Auto for as long as you own the car). Misalignment is a serious tire wear problem and by buying the lifetime version, I can have the alignment adjusted anytime without deciding if I want to pay again.
Hilda answered questions about the warranties, offered me an unadvertised discount, gave me a complete "out the door" price, helped me apply some reward points I had, and called my nearest store twice to make sure they could take care of me the same day. When I had to interrupt the call to check on something else, she gave me her extension so I could call back and complete the transaction! What customer service operation these days let's you speak to the same rep twice?
When I got to the store at my appointment time, someone walked up to the car as I parked and said "Are you the 2 o'clock appointment?", and immediately took my keys to drive the car into the shop. The 4 tire installation and alignment took only 45 minutes. From start to finish, I was amazed. Even though my nearest store is 50 miles away, I'm going to be shopping there more often.