NATIONWIDE -- Sears is partnering with online auction platform "Real Insight Marketplace" to sell 16 profitable store locations.

The troubled retailer has faced sagging sales for years, but many of its stores sit on prime real estate, with about 200 investment groups expressing interest in the stores.

Fifteen of the 16 stores up for grabs are attached to malls.

Some have agreements that would allow them to be developed as hotels, residences or self-storage spaces.