The last remaining full-size Kmart store in the contiguous United States will close on October 20. The store in Bridgehampton, New York, will mark the end of an era for the once-dominant discount retailer. Two workers at the Bridgehampton store confirmed the closure, while Kimco Realty, the owner of Bridgehampton Commons mall, verified that Kmart is leaving the shopping center.
Transformco, Kmart’s parent company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Despite this closure, Kmart will maintain a reduced-size location in Miami, Florida, and stores in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Kmart’s history dates back to 1962, when it opened its first store in Garden City, Michigan.
Closing Kmart’s last large store
At its peak two decades ago, the company operated 1,400 stores across the United States. However, Kmart’s sales began to decline due to increasing competition from retailers like Costco and Walmart and the rise of e-commerce.
In 2005, Kmart merged with Sears, another struggling retailer, in an attempt to reverse its fortunes. However, the combination failed to revive the company’s performance. The closure of the Bridgehampton store reminds us of the challenges faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers in the face of changing consumer preferences and the growing dominance of online shopping.
As Kmart’s presence in the contiguous United States dwindles, many Americans who grew up with the brand will likely feel nostalgic for the once-ubiquitous retailer and its iconic “Blue Light Specials.”
The retail landscape continues to evolve, and the closure of Kmart’s last full-size store in the mainland U.S. marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history.
