Customers suing Sears, Roebuck and Co over alleged mold defects in their Kenmore-brand washing machines can bring their claims as a class action, a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. was once the world’s largest retailer, operating nearly 3,500 Sears and Kmart stores. Now, only 22 stores remain in business after the company’s massive downsize.