Kmart, once a prominent name in American retail known for its iconic Blue Light Specials, is closing its last full-scale store in the mainland United States.
The location in Bridgehampton, New York, is set to shut its doors on October 20, according to an employee who confirmed the closure. Following this, only a small Kmart convenience store will remain operational in Miami, along with a few locations in Guam and the US Virgin Islands.
The Bridgehampton store has been a significant site for Kmart since its opening in 1996, attracting customers from affluent and working-class backgrounds alike. In its prime, Kmart boasted over 2,000 stores across the country. However, competition from retail giants such as Walmart and Target, coupled with the rise of online shopping, led to a gradual decline. Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2002 and subsequently closed more than 250 stores. A merger with Sears in 2005 under hedge fund manager Eddie Lampert was intended to revive the brand, but ultimately failed to halt the downward trend.
Kmart’s fortunes further diminished in the wake of the 2008 recession and the growing influence of e-commerce. Following a series of financial struggles, Sears Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018, leaving Kmart with only a handful of stores remaining.
The Bridgehampton store was once celebrated for its unique offerings, including a partnership with lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart, who had a line of home goods sold at Kmart. However, in recent years, the store has struggled with declining foot traffic and visible inventory shortages.
Despite the closure of the Bridgehampton location, Kmart’s legacy as a discount retailer dates back to its founding in 1899 by Sebastian Spering Kresge in Detroit. The brand officially became Kmart in 1962 and reached its peak in the 1990s. However, the changing retail landscape and strategic missteps have led to its gradual fade from the American shopping scene.
New York Post, CNN, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
