The last full-size Kmart closes

On October 20, the last full-size Kmart within the continental United States closed its doors. The closing of the Bridgehampton, New York store ended an iconic chapter in American retail.

Kmarts across the country was the go-to store for consumers’ each day needs. However, through the years, Kmart has been unable to compete with Walmart, Target, Amazon and other large retailers. Only one smaller location stayAccording to .s in Miami and several other stores within the US Virgin Islands and Guam.

The Bridgehampton Kmart, about 90 miles east of Manhattan, opened in 1999. Kmart itself was a serious force within the American retail marketplace for many years, with its roots dating back to the late nineteenth century when founder Sebastian Spering Kresge opened a five-dollar store in Detroit. By 1962, the corporate had modified its name to Kmart and have become known for its famous 15-minute “blue light promotions”, during which flashing lights and public announcements informed customers of limited-time discounts. This beloved promotion was introduced in 1965 but was discontinued in 1991.

The company also experienced several corporate missteps and ill-fated acquisitions, similar to the purchases of Sports Authority, OfficeMax, and Borders within the Nineteen Nineties. All these brands eventually went out of business. In 2002, Kmart filed for bankruptcy. At the time, it was the biggest retail bankruptcy within the US. $11 billion merger with Sears in 2005 seemed promisingbut turned out to be a financial ruin for each brands, the report says. When the 2 retailers merged, Kmart had about 1,400 stores and Sears had nearly 900 full-line stores within the US. By 2018, the corporate filed for bankruptcy, leaving just 231 Sears and 191 Kmart stores remaining.

“It’s sad,” said customer Deborah Arnone. “It’s the end of an era. We shopped here for Christmas every year. It was a mainstay here.”