I nolonger deal with Sears. I believe I spoke about some of my terrible experiences with them in the Sears thread for Christmas. My last contact with them for a problem never even generated ANY response from them what-so-ever.
Yes, Sears has been around a long time, so has politicians. They doesn't mean they got better with age. Sears has been in business for years, but their customer service has been lacking for a long time. They've changed, and IMO are nolonger a good company to do business with.
I do not know of RI laws, though I have family there. I do hope you get somewhere with Sears, but I wouldn't hold my breath!