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Sears Offers Severance to Some Salespeople: Sears, Roebuck & Co. is offering senior salespeople in some departments the option of taking severance packages rather than accepting lower pay scales. Sears said the severance offer is part of a cost-cutting program begun 18 months ago. The employees involved sell items such as appliances, furniture and automotive products, for which there has been less demand during the the recession. They will see their compensation drop 10% or more under wage and commission changes that go into effect Sunday.