Born in Northampton and educated at the local elementary school, John Sears became an apprentice with the Manfield Company.
[1] In 1891 he set up his own business as a boot-maker with the help of his younger brother, William, trading under the name J. Sears & Co.[1] In 1897 he opened his first retail outlet and by 1900 he had established his first shop in London.
[1] He expanded the business rapidly particularly on the retail side and soon had 2,000 shops branded as Trueform.
[1] The House was demolished in the mid-20th century and the grounds now form part of Collingtree Park with a golf course.
He died in 1916 at the early age of 46 and is buried at St.Columba's Church in Collingtree.