NEW YORK – It’s the end of an era for Kmart shoppers as the retail giant’s last full-scale store in mainland United States is set to close its doors. The store, located in the upscale town of Bridgehampton on Long Island, will be shutting down on October 20th, according to an employee who answered the phone on Monday. This news comes as a shock to many loyal customers who have fond memories of the store’s iconic Blue Light Specials and its flashing blue orb that would signal a flash sale.
The closure of this store will leave only a small Kmart location in Miami, along with a handful of stores in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This marks the end of an era for a company that once had over 2,000 stores across the country. It’s a sad reality for many who grew up shopping at Kmart and have watched it struggle to keep up with competitors like Walmart and Target.
In 2002, Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, becoming the largest U.S. retailer to take that step. This was a result of the company’s inability to compete with Walmart’s low prices and Target’s trendier offerings. As a result, over 250 stores were closed in an effort to restructure and save the company.
A few years later, hedge fund executive Edward Lampert combined Sears and Kmart, promising to bring the two struggling retailers back to their former glory. However, the 2008 recession and the rise of e-commerce giant Amazon proved to be major obstacles in this mission. In 2018, Sears filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and now has only a handful of stores left in the U.S., a far cry from its once-thriving presence.
Despite this sad news, there is still hope for the future of Kmart. Transformco, the company that bought the assets of Sears and Kmart out of bankruptcy in 2019, has not given up on the brand. While the closure of the Bridgehampton store is a significant loss, it is important to remember that Kmart still has a presence in other parts of the country and around the world.
The closure of the last full-scale Kmart store in mainland United States is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the retail industry. It serves as a cautionary tale for companies to adapt and evolve in order to survive in a highly competitive market. However, it also highlights the resilience and determination of the Kmart brand, which has managed to stay afloat for over 50 years despite facing numerous challenges.
For many, Kmart holds a special place in their hearts, with memories of shopping trips with family and friends, finding great deals, and experiencing the excitement of the Blue Light Specials. It’s a brand that has left a lasting impact on American culture and will always hold a special place in the hearts of its loyal customers.
As we bid farewell to the last full-scale Kmart store in mainland United States, let us remember the good times and look forward to what the future holds for this iconic brand. While it may be the end of an era, it is also the beginning of a new chapter for Kmart. And who knows, maybe one day we will see the flashing blue orb once again, signaling the return of the Blue Light Specials. Until then, let’s cherish the memories and keep the spirit of Kmart alive.
