Kmart’s Last Stand on Mainland US: A Legacy Comes to an End
The Last Remaining Kmart Store in the Mainland US Closes Its Doors
Attention, Kmart shoppers: the store is now closing – for good! The one-time retail giant, known for its blue light specials, is shuttering its last full-scale store in the mainland United States. For years, the store has operated in the posh town of Bridgehampton, but with its closure, Kmart’s legacy lives on in a small store down in Miami.
A Legacy in Decline
Since news broke last month of the Long Island location closure, shoppers have flocked to the store to take advantage of slashed prices. Shoppers like Juliette Fayh, from East Hampton, have expressed their disappointment but not surprise. "I’m not surprised, it’s always this empty," she said. "This is actually the most crowded I’ve seen it."
A Unique Situation in Bridgehampton
While thousands of Kmart stores have closed over the decades, the Bridgehampton store has managed to hang on. Shoppers attribute this to the lack of competition in the area. "Otherwise you go to Riverhead and local stores are expensive. It’s tough on working families," Fayh added.
A Brief History of Kmart
In the 1990s, Kmart was a retail giant, with 95% of Americans living within 15 minutes of a store. The chain went from being the 15th-largest corporation in the world in the 1990s to declaring bankruptcy in 2002. Walmart’s lower prices and Target’s fashionable brands drew customers away, and more recently, online shopping has hastened their decline.
The Last Mainland Store Closes
The Long Island closure comes exactly one year after the last Kmart closed its doors for good. Over in New Jersey, the Westwood store closed last October after more than 40 years in business. The last mainland store is crammed inside the garden center of what used to be a much larger Kmart in Miami, according to The New York Times. Beyond that, there remain a few stores on Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A Nostalgic Farewell
As the Bridgehampton Kmart prepares to close its doors for the final time on Sunday, shoppers like Audrey Niewenhous, of Sag Harbor, reflect on the end of an era. "It’s kind of a bummer that all the stores are going out of business around here," she said.
Conclusion
Kmart’s legacy may be dwindling, but its impact on the retail landscape has been significant. From blue light specials to the once-thriving Kmart empire, its story serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of consumer habits and the struggle to adapt in an increasingly competitive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Kmart shutting down its last mainland store?
A: Kmart is shutting down its last mainland store in Bridgehampton, Long Island, due to declining sales and competition from other retailers.
Q: How many Kmart stores have closed in recent years?
A: Thousands of Kmart stores have closed over the decades, with the majority shutting down in the 2000s. In the past year alone, the Westwood store in New Jersey and the Bridgehampton store on Long Island have closed for good.
Q: Are there any Kmart stores still open?
A: Yes, a few Kmart stores remain open, including a small store in Miami and locations on Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
