Jupiter (store)
| File:Kmart logo.svg Kmart logo since 2004 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Predecessor | S. S. Kresge Corporation |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Founder | Sebastian Spering Kresge |
| Headquarters | Hoffman Estates, Illinois (prior to 2018) , United States |
Area served | United States and territories |
Key people | Bernard M. Fauber (former chairman and CEO) |
| Products | General merchandise, discount department stores |
| Owner | Transformco |
| Parent | Transformco |
| Website | www |
Overview
Kmart (pronounced Template:IPAc-en, respelled as KAY-mart), previously known legally as Kmart Corporation, is a retail chain and e-commerce operator under the ownership of Transformco. It maintains a presence in the United States and its territories with four active store locations. These include two large-format department stores situated in the US Virgin Islands, one in Tamuning, Guam, and a smaller outlet housed within the former Garden Shop of the Kendale Lakes, Florida store (bearing a Miami mailing address). The adjacent big-box structure at Kendale Lakes is now leased to another retailer, At Home. As of October 19, 2024, the Kendale Lakes location represents the sole remaining Kmart store on the continental U.S. mainland, following the closure of the last full-sized big-box store earlier that year.
Historical Background
Originally incorporated in 1899 under the name S. S. Kresge Corporation, the company adopted the Kmart name officially in 1977. The inaugural Kmart-branded store opened its doors in 1962 in Garden City, Michigan. At its zenith in 1994, Kmart operated a global network of 2,486 outlets, which included 2,323 discount and Super Kmart Center stores across the United States.
Corporate Information
Kmart's headquarters were located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois prior to 2018. Between 2005 and 2019, it functioned as a subsidiary under Sears Holdings Corporation, which also owns Sears. Since 2019, ownership transferred to Transform SR Brands LLC, a private entity established to acquire assets from Sears Holdings.
Current Operations
Today, Kmart operates four stores: two large department stores on the US Virgin Islands, one big-box location in Guam’s Tamuning area, and a smaller retail space within Kendale Lakes, Florida. Additionally, Kmart.com services customers across all 50 states and APO/FPO military addresses; however, it does not ship to P.O. Boxes or locations such as Puerto Rico, Guam, or the US Virgin Islands.
Early years
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The originator of the enterprise that evolved into Kmart, S. S. Kresge, encountered variety-store innovator Frank Winfield Woolworth during his tenure as a traveling salesman, supplying merchandise to all 19 Woolworth outlets at the time. In 1897, Kresge invested $6,700—savings accrued from his sales career—into establishing a five-and-dime store in Memphis, Tennessee. He co-owned this initial store with John G. McCrory, who had previously been a customer of his tinware products. The following year, Kresge and McCrory launched a second location in downtown Detroit, marking the inception of the S.S. Kresge stores. After two years operating as partners, Kresge exchanged his stake in the Memphis store along with $3,000 to gain full control of the Detroit outlet. Subsequently, he partnered with his brother-in-law, Charles J. Wilson, to form the Kresge & Wilson Company.
By 1912, Kresge had incorporated the S.S. Kresge Company in Delaware, which then operated 85 stores. Four years later, in 1916, he established a new S.S. Kresge Company in Michigan and assumed control of the original firm's operations—this entity would later become today's Kmart corporation. The company made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange on May 23, 1918. During World War I, Kresge experimented with increasing the maximum price limit in his stores to $1. By 1924, his personal wealth was estimated at around $375 million, with real estate holdings valued near $100 million. The early decades of the 20th century saw rapid expansion; store counts grew from 257 in 1924 to 597 by 1929. In 1925, Kresge stepped down as president but remained chairman of the company. Although the Great Depression caused financial strain and led to some closures, by 1940 the number of stores had increased to 682. Post-war shifts in consumer behavior saw many shoppers relocating from urban centers to suburban areas.
1960s–1970s
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Under the guidance of executive Harry Cunningham, the S.S. Kresge Company launched its inaugural Kmart-branded store on January 25, 1962, in San Fernando, California. This initial location, measuring approximately 27,000 square feet (2,500 square meters), was dubbed a "bantam" Kmart by Kresge and was originally planned to operate as a Kresge store until late in the development phase. This opening preceded the debut of the first Walmart by roughly six months. Subsequently, on March 1, 1962, the company unveiled its first purpose-built full-size Kmart store featuring about 80,000 square feet (7,400 square meters) in Garden City, Michigan. Both Cunningham and Sam Walton found inspiration in their visits to Ann & Hope during 1961. Throughout 1962, an additional seventeen Kmart outlets were inaugurated. During this era, Kmart Foods—a now-defunct supermarket chain under the Kmart brand—also commenced operations. Although new stores continued to open under the Kmart name, the corporation officially retained the S.S. Kresge Company title.
The company’s founder, Sebastian Spering Kresge, passed away on October 18, 1966, at the age of 99.
Around the time Kmart debuted, several underperforming S.S. Kresge outlets were rebranded as "Jupiter Discount Stores," a concept designed to offer extreme discounts with minimal frills. Throughout the 1970s, Kmart succeeded in driving many rival retailers out of business. The S.S. Kresge Company’s brands—including Kresge, Jupiter, and Kmart—primarily competed against chains such as Zayre, Ames, Bradlees, Caldor, Hills, and various MMG-McCrory Stores banners (including McCrory, McLellan, H.L. Green, J.J. Newberry, S.H. Kress, TG&Y, Silver's, and later G.C. Murphy Co.). In 1977, the company officially changed its name to K Mart Corporation.
1980s
In 1980, Bernard M. Fauber, who was serving as Vice Chairman, was promoted to both chairman and CEO of Kmart.
By April 1981, Kmart celebrated the opening of its 2,000th store located in Kearny, New Jersey, which remained operational until its closure in May 2021. By the end of that year, the total number of Kmart outlets in the United States and Canada had reached 2,055.
In 1987, Kmart Corporation divested its remaining 76 Kresge and Jupiter stores within the United States, selling them to McCrory Stores. This transaction led to the near-complete discontinuation of those brands, though Canadian Kresge and Jupiter locations continued functioning until 1994.
Kmart initiated co-branding efforts in 1985 by transforming the cafeteria inside its Canton, Michigan store into a Wendy's restaurant. Additionally, Kmart collaborated with Bruno’s Supermarket to launch a new hypermarket concept known as American Fare.
Up until November 1990, when Walmart surpassed it, Kmart held the position of the second-largest retailer in the United States, trailing only behind Sears. During the late 1980s and extending into the 1990s, corporate leadership increasingly prioritized other subsidiaries and ventures such as Sports Authority, Builders Square, and Waldenbooks over the core Kmart stores.
Blue Light Special
The Blue Light Special was a limited-time in-store sales event that occurred sporadically during operating hours. It was promoted by a spinning blue light, similar to those on police vehicles, and announced over the store’s PA system with the phrase "attention Kmart shoppers," which later became a notable element in popular culture. Initially, the Blue Light Special aimed to boost sales of slower-selling items through time-sensitive discounts. Introduced in 1965, this promotional tactic was discontinued in 1991.
Throughout the 2000s, Kmart intermittently reintroduced the Blue Light Special. It resumed in 2001 but was halted again in 2002, saw a brief revival in 2005, returned on Saturdays in 2009 offering surprise one-hour deals on select products, and made a final comeback in November 2015.
1990–2001: New image
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In an effort to modernize its brand identity, Kmart unveiled a redesigned logo in 1990. The previous italicized "K" paired with turquoise "mart" was replaced by a bold red "K" enclosing the scripted word "mart." Following this change, store renovations commenced soon after. This emblem remained until it was superseded by the current logo in 2004. That same year, Little Caesars Pizza launched its first outlet inside a Kmart store located in Rochester, Michigan—an interesting coincidence given both companies’ origins in Garden City, Michigan during the late 1950s and early 1960s. By 1995, Kmart attempted a brand refresh under the moniker Today's Kmart, although this was short-lived.
The corporate name was slightly altered to Kmart Corporation in 1991.
Expanding internationally, Kmart entered Eastern Europe by acquiring thirteen stores in former Czechoslovakia during 1992; these stores were divested by 1996.
Kmart also introduced exclusive product lines featuring personalities such as Martha Stewart, Kathy Ireland, Jaclyn Smith, Lauren Hutton, and Thalía. Additionally, it held exclusive licensing agreements for merchandise related to Sesame Street and Disney properties. Prominent spokespersons included actress and TV host Rosie O'Donnell as well as actress and producer Penny Marshall.
Super Kmart Center debuted on July 25, 1991, with a new store opening in Medina Township, Ohio. This format combined general merchandise with full-service grocery offerings including deli, seafood, and bakery departments. However, this location was downsized by 2011 and subsequently closed in early 2012 due to disappointing holiday sales. Another Super Kmart Center opened later in Copley Township, Ohio featuring amenities such as an on-site video rental section and carryout Chinese restaurant; this store has also since closed. The final Super Kmart Center location operating in Howland Township, Ohio shuttered on April 8, 2018. Numerous other Super Kmart Centers were launched nationwide during this period.
Big Kmart was introduced on April 23, 1997, with the first store located in Chicago, Illinois. This concept emphasized home furnishings, children's clothing lines, and consumable goods (branded as The Pantry). Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, most existing Kmarts underwent remodeling into Big Kmart formats. Initially successful—stores converted to Big Kmart saw sales increases between 10% and 15%—by the end of the decade approximately 1,245 Big Kmart stores had been established either through conversion or new openings. By 1998 nearly two-thirds of all Kmart outlets were Big Kmart locations. That year also marked Kmart’s acquisition of forty-five former Venture stores which were converted into Big Kmarts. At its peak around the year 2000 there were about 1,900 Big Kmarts compared to roughly one hundred each of Super Kmarts and traditional Kmarts.
In addition to retail operations, The Sports Authority became part of Kmart following its acquisition in 1990 but was spun off five years later.
Kmart’s highest profitability and revenue levels occurred around 1992; subsequent declines have been attributed largely to competition from Walmart and Target as well as growth of online shopping platforms. In response to financial pressures, the company announced plans to close one hundred ten underperforming stores in 1994. Unlike competitors Walmart and Target, Kmart lagged behind in adopting advanced computer systems for supply chain management. Moreover, maintaining elevated dividend payments limited funds available for store upgrades. Analysts also criticized the company’s inability to establish a consistent brand identity.
In September of 1995, Kmart divested its unprofitable auto repair centers by selling them to Penske Corporation for $112 million; these locations operated under Penske Auto Centers thereafter. However, Penske permanently closed these centers in 2002 following a payment dispute with Kmart.
In August of 1997, the company introduced the Kmart Cash Card, replacing traditional paper gift certificates to streamline returns and gift transactions.
By mid-1999, distribution agreements were established with SuperValu and Fleming to manage delivery of $3.9 billion worth of food products across all stores.
In the year 2000, a co-branded MasterCard credit card partnership was launched with Capital One to replace prior private-label credit cards issued by Kmart.
That same year saw expansion of Martha Stewart’s Everyday Garden Collection to include live plants and seeds alongside introduction of Martha Stewart Everyday Kitchen—a comprehensive line of essential housewares.
July of that year also involved closing seventy-two underperforming outlets while simultaneously opening twenty new Big Kmarts; twelve existing Kmarts were converted into Super Kmart Centers along with five new Super Kmarts opening their doors. The company announced broad restructuring plans focused on upgrading customer checkout systems alongside inventory management technology enhancements.
During early 2001 several new Super Kmart stores opened as part of expansion efforts aimed at increasing grocery availability within locations. However, following bankruptcy filing in January of that year construction on additional Super Kmarts was halted regardless of completion status.
Also in February of that year, Fleming became sole distributor for food and consumable goods across all company stores under a $4.5 billion contract.
Legal challenges arose as well: Sega filed suit against Kmart for unpaid balances totaling $2.2 million related to Dreamcast video game system orders; later that summer Target initiated litigation over allegations that Kmart’s "Dare to Compare" advertising campaign misrepresented price comparisons on many occasions via store signage.
2002–2009: Integration with Sears
On January 22, 2002, Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while under the direction of then-chairman Charles Conaway and president Mark Schwartz.[1][2] Conaway, who had previously overseen growth at CVS Corporation, accepted leadership of Kmart along with a $5 million loan (equivalent to $Template:Formatprice in Template:Inflation/year). Both Conaway and Schwartz were implicated in a scandal reminiscent of the Enron controversy, accused of deceiving shareholders and company officials about Kmart’s financial troubles while personally profiting and allegedly misusing company funds on luxury items such as planes, homes, and boats. At a company-wide meeting on January 22, Conaway publicly took "full responsibility" for the financial decline. Upon exiting bankruptcy, Conaway was compelled to resign and reimburse all loans he had received.
Following the departure of Conaway and Schwartz, Kmart shut down over 300 U.S. stores—including every location in Alaska—and laid off approximately 34,000 employees as part of its restructuring efforts.[3] The company unveiled five prototype stores featuring a redesigned logo, layout, and a lime green and gray color palette; these were located in White Lake, Michigan and four cities in central Illinois: (Peoria, Pekin, Morton, and Washington).[4] The revamped store design emphasized wider aisles, enhanced product selections, improved lighting, and displayed the city or town’s name beneath the updated Kmart emblem at store entrances. However, due to financial constraints, a full-scale implementation was not feasible.[5] Eventually, the lime green prototype was replaced by the "Orange" concept that debuted at select locations nationwide in 2006.
During Kmart's bankruptcy proceedings, a substantial portion of its debt was acquired by ESL Investments, a hedge fund managed by Edward Lampert. Lampert played a key role in expediting the bankruptcy resolution.[6]
On October 17, 2002, Kmart opened its only new store that year—and ultimately its last—located in Somers Point, New Jersey.[7][8] This store ceased operations in December 2019.[9]
By January 13, 2003, Kmart had closed 326 stores due to insufficient profitability and weak sales performance.[10]
Kmart officially emerged from bankruptcy on May 7, 2003.[11] Shortly thereafter, on June 10, 2003, it began trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol KMRT. Edward Lampert assumed the role of chairman with ESL Investments holding a majority stake of 53%, acquired for under $1 billion.[12][13] Addressing concerns about its smaller size relative to competitors, Lampert emphasized that retail success depends on profitability rather than just sales volume.[14] He initiated efforts to strengthen the company's financial position by cutting inventory levels, reducing expenses, and shuttering underperforming outlets. By Q4 of 2003, Kmart recorded its first profitable quarter in three years; however, subsequent periods saw a return to operating losses.
On July 23, 2004, Kmart unveiled a new logo featuring an oversized red "K" with "kmart" spelled out below in small block letters.[15] Then on August 12 of that year, Kmart partnered with E! Entertainment Television to launch an exclusive clothing line named Attention.[16] This brand was sold solely through Kmart stores and served as promotional support for E! News Live.[17] Earlier in 2004, Kmart had entered into a similar agreement with the WB Network, having cast members from five WB shows wear apparel branded by Kmart during episodes.[18]
The introduction of the Kmart Rewards credit card occurred on November 8, 2004; it was administered by HSBC Bank.[19]
On November 17, 2004, management announced plans for an $11 billion acquisition of Sears.[12] This merger entailed transferring ownership of Kmart Holding Corporation (the parent company) to the newly formed Sears Holdings Corporation, which would also acquire Sears itself. The combined entity committed to maintaining operations under both Sears and Kmart brand names.[20] Around this period, Kmart updated its logo from a red "K" with cursive "mart" inside to one featuring the same "K" but with lowercase lettering beneath it. The company’s headquarters moved to Hoffman Estates, Illinois; meanwhile in 2012 the former expansive headquarters complex in Troy, Michigan was sold to Forbes Company—the owner of nearby Somerset Collection mall.[21][22]
In early 2005, Sears Holdings introduced Sears Essentials—a retail format blending elements from both Kmart and Sears stores.[23][24] These freestanding stores were not situated within shopping malls. By 2006, Sears Essentials branding was discontinued and all such locations were rebranded as Sears Grand stores.[25]
Beginning in 2005, Kmart initiated renovations aligning stores with its "Orange" prototype design.[26] By 2006 interiors transitioned from white and blue to orange and brown tones; shelving heights were reduced to enhance visibility. Renovated locations incorporated appliance departments featuring Kenmore Appliances, along with hardware sections offering Craftsman products—previously exclusive to Sears outlets before the merger.[27] Additionally, some auto centers left vacant after Penske’s exit during bankruptcy were converted into Sears Auto Centers.[28]
In July 2009, Sears Holdings debuted its first Sears-branded appliance store within a Kmart location—a roughly 4,000 sq ft (370 m2) store-within-a-store situated inside the former garden department at a Birmingham, Alabama Kmart. This appliance section was about two-thirds the size of typical Sears appliance departments but larger than those found in remodeled Kmarts (approximately 2,500 sq ft (230 m2)).[29]
In October 2009 it was reported that negotiations between Kmart and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia failed to produce a new agreement following Stewart’s public comments on CNBC criticizing the decline of her product line at Kmart post-merger.[30]
November 2009 marked Kmart’s first year-over-year sales increase since 2005—a modest gain of 0.5%—and only its second such growth since 2001.[31]
2010–2018: Kmart and Sears Holdings
Throughout the 2010s, numerous Kmart outlets were widely regarded as antiquated and deteriorating in quality.
On December 27, 2011, Sears Holdings revealed plans to shutter between 100 and 120 Sears and Kmart locations.
By 2014, reports surfaced that Kmart was in the process of closing numerous stores nationwide. Sears Holdings Corporation, Kmart’s parent company, experienced financial challenges during this period, resulting in an unspecified number of store shutdowns amid concerns from suppliers and creditors about its cash flow. In addition to these closures, the company undertook several strategic moves such as divesting its Lands' End division, selling most of its Sears Canada shares, issuing new debt, and securing loans to generate approximately $1.445 billion in liquidity for 2014. Howard Riefs, a spokesperson frequently representing Kmart, explained that these store closures were part of broader efforts to cut ongoing costs, optimize assets, and expedite the transformation of their business model.
On October 10, 2014, Kmart experienced a data breach involving customers' credit and debit card information. By October 19, the company stated that forensic investigations indicated no personal data such as debit card PINs, email addresses, or social security numbers had been compromised. Additionally, kmart.com customers were reportedly unaffected. The breach was contained and the malicious software removed. Kmart issued an apology for any inconvenience caused.
This site was demolished in 2020.
In April 2016, Kmart announced liquidation of 68 stores. Later that year in September, another announcement detailed the closure of an additional 64 stores across 28 states by mid-December. Despite these reductions, Sears Holdings CEO Eddie Lampert asserted in October that there were no intentions to discontinue the Kmart format and emphasized efforts to enhance the shopping experience through integrated retail innovations and the Shop Your Way program. By December 2016, at least 25 more Kmarts were slated for closure early in 2017.
In January 2017, an additional 78 Kmarts were announced for closure. Analysts began signaling that Sears Holdings’ viability was increasingly uncertain. By May of that year, another 18 Kmarts were scheduled to close quietly. Sears Holdings publicly acknowledged doubts regarding the future sustainability of both Sears and Kmart brands. Early June saw announcements of 49 more store closures by September; July brought news of another 35 closures expected by early October. Late August included plans to shutter 28 more Kmarts nationwide—including the final Rhode Island store located in Cranston. On October 9, the Tubbs Fire destroyed the Santa Rosa, California Kmart without a closing sale. On October 17, further liquidations were announced with no precise count provided. By November 3, Sears Holdings declared closure of an additional 45 Kmarts along with 18 Sears stores by January 2018; this included Alabama’s last remaining Kmart in Albertville.
According to Fortune.com data, neither Kmart nor Sears aired television commercials during the crucial holiday season of 2017; instead they concentrated on digital marketing channels after assessing their marketing effectiveness.
On January 4, 2018—following another disappointing holiday sales period—Kmart revealed plans to liquidate another 64 stores during springtime. This phase marked the end of the Super Kmart format with closure of its last remaining Super Kmart location in Warren, Ohio. MSN Money reported that both Kmart and Sears faced a significant risk of disappearing entirely during that year; consequently, the holiday season of 2017 likely represented their final one as independent brands.
On March 15, Sears Holdings announced a modest profit for Q4 of 2017; however investors attributed this primarily to tax refunds rather than improved sales performance for either brand. On March 26, CEO Eddie Lampert admitted uncertainty about Kmart’s potential as a standalone retailer and suggested a strategic pivot toward e-commerce over physical stores. By April 12, Sears disclosed intentions to close and auction off sixteen Sears locations alongside several unspecified Kmarts—including known closures in Brandon, Florida and Saugus, Massachusetts. Early May saw further liquidation announcements including Vermont’s final Kmart store located in Bennington.
On May 21, Sears Holdings declared yet another round of liquidation sales across forty Sears and Kmart outlets spanning twenty-four states; these stores closed by July Fourth weekend. Subsequently on May 31 came news of an additional sixteen Kmarts and forty-eight Sears stores slated for shutdown—among them Hawaii’s last remaining Kmart in Līhuʻe. These closures stemmed from a list of approximately one hundred unprofitable stores within Sears Holdings; twenty-eight others remained under evaluation with potential for future closings but were not publicly disclosed at that time. On June 28, ten stores under review were officially announced for closure by September with liquidation sales commencing immediately.
By mid-July multiple reports confirmed impending liquidation sales affecting more Kmarts nationwide. On August 23 it was revealed that thirteen additional locations would close by November.
2018–2019: Second Bankruptcy Episode
On October 15, 2018, Sears Holdings initiated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and revealed plans to shutter 142 stores, which encompassed 63 Kmart outlets. This included the final Kmart in Arkansas, situated in Russellville, as well as the last two Kmarts in Georgia, located in Covington and Peachtree City. Additionally, the final pair of Kmarts in Kansas—in Kansas City and Salina—were also slated for closure. This bankruptcy marked Kmart’s second within a span of 16 years. Subsequently, on November 8, 2018, Sears Holdings announced a further closure of 40 stores, including 11 additional Kmart locations. On November 23, 2018, the company published a list comprising 505 stores—239 of which were Kmarts—that were to be offered for sale amid the bankruptcy proceedings; meanwhile, remaining stores commenced liquidation sales. It is important to note that inclusion on this list did not guarantee protection from future liquidation. Later, on December 28, 2018, Sears Holdings declared plans to close another 80 stores, with 37 being Kmart stores.
In early January, Sears Holdings proposed retaining only 202 Kmart stores alongside 223 Sears outlets if it successfully navigated through bankruptcy. The majority of these proposed locations were concentrated in densely populated coastal areas.
By January 15, 2019, as it seemed Sears Holdings was preparing to file for Chapter 7 liquidation, a bankruptcy court judge mandated the company to resume negotiations with Eddie Lampert in an effort to avoid liquidation. A last-minute agreement was reached enabling up to approximately 400 Sears and Kmart stores to remain operational. Subsequently, on January 19, Sears Holdings officially announced winning the auction and confirmed that some existing stores would continue operations.
On January 24, 2019, a coalition of unsecured creditors—including Simon Property Group—filed a motion with the bankruptcy court seeking to overturn the recently finalized agreement between Sears Holdings and Lampert. The creditors accused Lampert of repeatedly stripping assets from the company to the detriment of suppliers and landlords and requested that the court order liquidation instead of reorganization to maximize creditor recovery. On January 28, the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation expressed opposition to the current deal with Lampert due to concerns it would create a $1.7 billion shortfall in employee pension funding that taxpayers would have to cover. In filings submitted on February 1, ESL outlined intentions to close three Kmart locations monthly throughout 2019 should the court approve their acquisition bid.
In February of that year, a U.S. bankruptcy judge authorized Edward Lampert’s purchase of Sears Holdings’ most profitable assets. This approval allowed the remaining business entity to persist with a combined total of approximately 425 Sears and Kmart stores operating—albeit at the expense of various suppliers and creditors. The two retail chains were consolidated under a new corporate entity named Transform Holdco, also known as Transformco.
2019–present: Management Changes and Additional Store Shutdowns
In February 2019, the transaction involving 202 Kmart outlets transferring to Transform Holdco was completed, while the remaining Kmart stores were liquidated to help satisfy the debts owed to Sears Holdings' creditors.
By May 2019, it was announced that the Kmart location in Walla Walla, Washington would cease operations on July 7, concluding nearly 45 years of business. Later, on August 6, 2019, TransformCo disclosed a new round of store closures and indicated that further shutdowns could not be ruled out in the near future. Subsequently, in October 2019, plans were revealed to close 84 additional Kmart stores. Following this, November 2019 saw another wave of closures announced; according to The Wall Street Journal, TransformCo intended to keep assessing its retail presence, implying more closures might occur. On February 6, 2020, Kmart confirmed it would shutter 15 more stores.
On November 21, 2021, the final Kmart in Michigan, the birthplace of the chain dating back to 1962, closed its doors. This store, located in Marshall, Michigan, had opened in the early 1990s as a replacement for an older smaller outlet; notably, the chain’s original Garden City location had closed in 2017. Shortly afterward, on December 18, 2021, Kmart’s last store on the West Coast, situated in Grass Valley, California, also shut down.
When the store in Hamilton, Montana closed in March 2022 after operating for 33 years—still displaying the pre-1990 logo at closure—only four Kmart stores remained nationwide, with half located in New Jersey. On April 16, 2022, the Avenel store in New Jersey was closed. The three remaining stores continued to operate in Miami, Florida; Westwood, New Jersey; and Bridgehampton, New York. However, in October 2023, after more than four decades since its opening in fall 1982, the Westwood store ceased operations. This left just two mainland U.S. locations alongside others in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
The Bridgehampton location closed on October 20, 2024. Opened in 1999 on the site of a former Caldor store, it managed to survive longer than other Kmarts due to limited competition from Walmart and Target stores located about a 45-minute drive away. Its closure left Miami as home to the only remaining Kmart store on the continental U.S., with four additional outlets still operating within U.S. territories. Unlike Bridgehampton’s full-line format, Miami's location is not a full-service Kmart.
In March 2023, the Miami Kmart was downsized considerably; now roughly the size of a CVS Pharmacy or Walgreens, it operates out of its former garden center space offering a limited assortment of clothing, appliances, and household items. The remainder of this original store area is leased by an At Home retailer. Situated in the Kendale Lakes neighborhood, this Miami location originally opened on November 3, 1977.
In May 2025 it was made public that the Kmart at Sunny Isle shopping center in St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands) would close by August due to lease non-renewal; however, it unexpectedly shut earlier on July 5, marking the final Kmart presence on St. Croix. Two years prior, another St. Croix outlet located in Frederiksted had ceased operations after being a tenant since June 30, 1993.
By late June 2025 while Sunny Isle was still liquidating stock ahead of closure, reports surfaced that the Lockhart Gardens Kmart on Saint Thomas would also close by August 16. This will leave only one remaining Virgin Islands location at Tutu Park Mall on Saint Thomas alongside stores still open in Guam and Miami.
Headquarters
Prior to its acquisition by Transformco, Sears Holdings Corporation, the former proprietor of Kmart, maintained its corporate headquarters on Beverly Road in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.[32] In December 2021, Transformco revealed plans to list its corporate headquarters for sale early the following year.[33] Currently, the company operates from a different office location within the same municipality on Trillium Blvd.[34]
Earlier, Kmart's corporate offices were situated at the Kmart International Headquarters located at 3100 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy, Michigan, part of the Metro Detroit area.[35][36] This complex consisted of twenty-three linked modules; all but one were three stories tall, with a single module being only one story high. Norm Sinclair from DBusiness described this arrangement as "a study in inefficiency".[35]
Active
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- Kmart operates as a discount department store chain, typically found as standalone buildings or within strip shopping centers. Their product assortment includes compact discs (CDs), DVDs, television series on DVD, electronics, bedding, household hardware, sports equipment, apparel, toys, jewelry, office materials, health and beauty items, over-the-counter medications, home furnishings, and a limited range of grocery products. Historically, many locations also featured garden centers, Jackson Hewitt tax service offices, pharmacies, and/or K-Cafés or delicatessens. Store sizes generally vary between 80,000–110,000 sq ft (7,400–10,200 m2). A significant number of these stores were either rebranded as Big Kmart or transformed into Super Kmart outlets.
Defunct
- American Fare was a hypermarket chain active from 1989 until 1994. This venture was a partnership with Kmart holding 51% ownership and Birmingham-based Bruno's Supermarkets owning the remaining 49%. The inaugural store launched on January 29, 1989 in Stone Mountain, Georgia, near Atlanta. The retail space spanned approximately 244,000 sq ft (22,700 m2), comprising roughly 74,550 sq ft (6,926 m2) for groceries, 104,000 sq ft (9,700 m2) for general merchandise, and 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m2) dedicated to clothing including apparel, footwear, and accessories. The front section included amenities such as a music and video store, food court featuring Taco Bell and TCBY, banking services, hair salon, pharmacy, and card shop. The second American Fare opened in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 1, 1990 with about 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2) of retail area. A third store commenced operations in Jackson, Mississippi in August 1990; plans for a fourth location in Birmingham, Alabama were never realized. In June 1992 Bruno's exited the partnership leaving Kmart as sole proprietor of the three stores. All three locations shuttered by May 1994. The Stone Mountain site was divided into two parts housing a Kmart and a Cub Foods; it now serves as the headquarters for the DeKalb County Board of Education. The Charlotte outlet transitioned to Super Kmart then to a Steve & Barry's before closing in 2009; it currently functions as a Verizon call center. The Jackson store's parking lot became home to a Carmax in 2007 while the building is owned by Comcast. The American Fare brand persists on select Kmart private-label consumables.
- Big Kmart was a discount department store chain similar to standard Kmart outlets but with greater focus on home décor, children's apparel, and an expanded grocery selection including meat, poultry, baked goods, frozen foods, and an extended garden produce section. Store sizes ranged from 84,000 to 120,000 sq ft (7,800 to 11,100 m2). Big Kmart locations typically featured garden centers, pharmacies, local bank branches, Jackson Hewitt tax offices, Olan Mills portrait studios, arcades, K-Cafés or Little Caesars Pizza Stations, and occasionally Kmart Express gas stations. This brand was rolled out company-wide starting in 1997. Some Big Kmart stores were either shuttered or reverted to regular Kmarts. The last Big Kmart ceased operations on November 21, 2021 in Marshall, Michigan.
- BlueLight Internet service: Initiated in 1999 by Kmart as a dial-up internet provider branded BlueLight, it was later spun off as an independent entity. Initially offered free of charge supported by banner advertisements; however starting January 2001 free access was curtailed. BlueLight was reacquired by Kmart in July 2001 concurrently announcing termination of free service. Following Kmart’s bankruptcy filing in 2002, United Online—owner of NetZero and Juno—purchased BlueLight. By August 2006 the service discontinued banner ads; at that time subscription cost was $14.95 monthly with approximately 165,000 subscribers.
- Borders bookstore chain became part of Kmart through acquisition in 1992. In 1994 Borders merged with Waldenbooks (another Kmart-owned bookstore chain) forming Borders-Walden Group which was sold off in 1995. Borders filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2011 and announced liquidation plans for July after failing to secure a buyer for its remaining 399 stores; all locations closed by September.
- Builders Square was a home improvement superstore chain sold to Hechinger in 1997; Hechinger subsequently went out of business in 1999.
- Designer Depot: A discount apparel retailer operating during the 1980s within the Metro Detroit area.[37] Its first outlet opened in a former S.S. Kresge dime store located in St. Clair Shores, Michigan during 1982 offering discounted merchandise from brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Izod Lacoste, and Calvin Klein.
- K-Café represented an eatery within some stores serving standard fast food items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks. Breakfast options included baked goods like bagels and egg platters with bacon or sausage alongside snacks such as nachos and ice cream. At Super Kmart Centers hot foods were also available at deli counters with seating areas known as Deli Cafés. However this concept has been discontinued across all stores as of April 2018.
- KDollar operated as discount/dollar stores offering reduced-price Kmart merchandise often housed within former regular or Big Kmart locations. Sears Brands filed trademark applications for KDollar on November 6, 2012.[38] The initial KDollar store opened in Bloomfield Hills Michigan during early 2013.[39] A subsequent location launched in Waukegan Illinois.
- Kmart Chef comprised a small fast-food restaurant chain owned by Kmart launched in Pontiac Michigan’s parking lot in 1967 featuring a concise menu including hamburgers and fries described by founder S.S. Kresge as "limited" but high turnover. This concept peaked at eleven locations before closing entirely by 1974.
- Kmart Dental was an experimental dental clinic located within one Miami Florida-based store; despite its name it was never officially owned by Kmart.
- Kmart Express consisted of gas stations/convenience stores situated on out-parcel land adjacent to some Midwest-based Kmart and Super Kmart properties. Expansion plans during early-2000s were halted following the company’s bankruptcy filing in 2002; the final station closed in Ionia Michigan during 2017.
- Kmart Food Stores operated as supermarket units mostly co-located with Kmarts starting from their founding year of 1962 often managed by local grocers but branded under the company name; this chain ended operations during the early-1980s.
- Kwash was an attached laundromat prototype introduced May 2010 featuring separate access points from inside former auto bays at Iowa City Iowa locations offering attendants service alongside free Wi-Fi and limited laundry-related products for sale; it closed simultaneously with the host store’s closure in September of 2017.[40]
- Makro, originally a Dutch warehouse club brand operated U.S.-based outlets between February1981–1989 located near Atlanta Philadelphia and Largo Maryland suburbs.[41] Having previously held a minority stake,Kmart acquired full ownership of American Makro holdings during1989.[42] These stores were either converted into Pace clubs or shut down during1990.[43]
- Office Square: A spin-off chain specializing in office supplies/furniture derived from Builders Square concept which merged into OfficeMax after its acquisition by Kmart during1991.
- OfficeMax, an office supplies/furniture retailer acquired by Kmart in1991 then divested by1995; later acquired itself by Office Depot during2013.
- Pace Membership Warehouse functioned as Kmart’s warehouse club brand until Walmart’s acquisition led to most stores converting into Sam’s Club locations during1993 while others were sold off to competitors like Bradlees.
- PayLess Drugs, drugstores purchased by Kmart during1985[44], later sold to TCH Corporation in1994.[45] This resulted entity named Thrifty PayLess was acquired by Rite Aid during1996 which rebranded all PayLess/Thrifty outlets under Rite Aid banner by1999.The PayLess division formerly controlled Bi-Mart which spun off alongside related chains such as Pay ’n Save.
- The Sports Authority, sporting goods retailer acquired by Kmart during1990 then sold off five years later; eventually ceased operations entirely by2016.
- Super Kmart Center represented large-format superstores combining typical Kmart merchandise with full-service grocery departments featuring meat/poultry/baked goods/deli/garden produce/fresh seafood sections spanning approximately 140,000 to 190,000 sq ft (13,000 to 18,000 m2) . The first opened July25 ,1991 at Medina Ohio but downsized before closing permanently during2012.In line with Big Kmart launch during1997,the brand was shortened to Super Kmart.Super Kmarts also included garden centers,videostores,banks,gaming arcades,a portrait studio,tax services via Jackson Hewitt,a pharmacy,and usually deli cafés or Little Caesars Pizza Stations.Many ancillary services have since been discontinued.Some sites featured auto centers/Kmart Express gas stations.Most Super Kmarts closed amid waves of shutdowns during2002–2003 with grocery departments removed converting many into standard Kmarts.[46] Typical annual sales per Super Center approached $30 million.In2015 several locations transitioned into regular Kmarts under “K-Fresh” concept emphasizing expanded pantry/fresh food departments though fresh food preparation ceased onsite with prepackaged offerings replacing deli/butcher/bakery functions.Kmarts phased out Super Kmarts gradually,the last closing April8 ,2018 at Warren Ohio replaced thereafter by Meijer.[47]
- U-Pak, a single no-frills supermarket concept selling products directly from boxes rather than shelves with shortened hours launched adjacent to Pontiac Michigan’s Opdyke Boulevard-based Kmart during1979 but shuttered within one month due to weak sales.[48]
- Variety Outlet: Closeout retail chain usually operating within former closed Kmarts.First location opened Rome Georgia during1994.[49][50]
- Waldenbooks, mall-based bookstore chain acquired by Kmart during1984.In1994 Borders merged with Waldenbooks forming Borders-Walden Group which was divested the following year.The renamed Borders Group ultimately filed for bankruptcy leading to closure of all stores by2011.
Philanthropy
Kmart's charitable efforts were coordinated under the program known as Kmart for Kids. This initiative aimed to improve the well-being and happiness of children nationwide by supporting organizations such as the March of Dimes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the American Diabetes Association. At one point, Kmart held the distinction of being the leading corporate donor to the March of Dimes, contributing a total of $114 million over a span exceeding three decades.
On July 29, 2008, Don Germano, who served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Kmart stores, was appointed to a five-year term on the national Board of Trustees for the March of Dimes Foundation.
Kmart for Kids also played a significant role in backing St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital through its annual Thanks and Giving campaign. This initiative provided customers with an opportunity to express gratitude for their healthy children while assisting those facing health challenges. Since joining the campaign in 2006, Kmart had raised over $59.2 million by 2008 (adjusted for inflation), with a record-breaking $21.9 million collected during the tenth annual campaign in the 2013 holiday season (also inflation-adjusted).
In recognition of its involvement with the American Diabetes Association’s "Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes" program, Kmart received the "Outstanding Corporate Citizen" Award in 2008. This accolade acknowledged Kmart’s comprehensive and proactive approach to philanthropy, community engagement, diversity, and employee development. Beginning that year, Kmart became a national sponsor of the diabetes walk, and over two years, its customers and employees raised close to $1.5 million through in-store fundraising activities (inflation-adjusted).
Environmental compliance history
On May 9, 2007, Kmart faced a penalty amounting to $102,422 (adjusted for inflation to Template:Inflation-year dollars) due to breaches of federal regulations concerning hazardous waste management, clean water standards, and emergency planning protocols at 17 of its distribution facilities. The company addressed these issues by developing and enforcing spill-prevention and control measures, securing the necessary storm-water permits, adhering to hazardous waste generator regulations, and submitting required notifications to local and state emergency planning and response agencies regarding the presence of hazardous materials. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency identified shortcomings in Kmart's record-keeping practices and noncompliance with hazardous waste storage and disposal mandates. For example, the EPA discovered oil-storage drums that were improperly labeled at a site located in Falls, Pennsylvania.
Kmart also engaged in battery recycling initiatives. In 1990, the company announced plans to allocate approximately $80 million (inflation-adjusted to Template:Inflation-year) for full-page newspaper ads promoting a battery recycling program that offered $2 per junk battery (equivalent to Template:Inflation-year dollars). This effort was part of Kmart's ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility through recycling activities.
October 2014
In early September 2014, Kmart discovered malware had infected certain in-store payment terminals across multiple locations, a situation publicly disclosed in October of that year.
September 2017
From September 26 to October 12, 2017, malicious software was implanted on systems managed by a third-party service provider supporting the sears.com and kmart.com online platforms. This breach compromised credit card data belonging to approximately 100,000 customers through a harmful script. However, the incident was not made public until April 2024.
June 2018 incident
Sears Holdings revealed in June 2018 that cybercriminals had extracted credit card details from several Kmart outlets by infiltrating payment processing systems with a virus-like code that evaded detection by existing antivirus software at the time.
June 2021
Between June 3 and June 15, 2021, unauthorized access occurred on Transformco’s computer servers containing payroll and healthcare records of both current and former employees of Kmart and other Transformco entities.
Animal welfare concerns
In 2012, the animal rights organization Mercy for Animals conducted an undercover investigation at Christensen Farms, a pork supplier for Kmart, Walmart, and Costco. The footage captured revealed pigs confined in restrictive gestation crates and instances of mistreatment toward piglets. Following this exposure, Kmart committed to requiring its pork suppliers to eliminate the use of gestation crates over time.
Racing Sponsorships
Kmart played a significant role as a sponsor in NASCAR and the now-defunct CART series. The company maintained a longstanding partnership with Newman/Haas Racing, a team owned by actor Paul Newman and former driver Carl Haas. Among their CART drivers were Nigel Mansell and the father-son pair Michael and Mario Andretti. Under Kmart's backing, Michael Andretti and Mansell secured championships in 1991 and 1993, respectively. When Michael Andretti transitioned to Formula One in 1993, Kmart supported his McLaren for that season. Additionally, Kmart sponsored the NASCAR-sanctioned Kmart 400 events held at Michigan and North Carolina Speedway. The retailer celebrated its first NASCAR victory in 1988 with driver Lake Speed at the Darlington Raceway. In 1999 and 2000, Kmart was the sponsor of three-time champion Darrell Waltrip during his final full-time seasons. More recently, in 2006, Kmart sponsored Boris Said's #60 No Fear Ford Fusion within NASCAR.
Operations in Puerto Rico
The S. S. Kresge chain marked its entry into Puerto Rico on November 25, 1959, launching its inaugural store—a 17,678 square-foot location—at the 65th Infantry shopping center in San Juan, the island's capital. Throughout the 1960s, additional Kresge outlets opened across Puerto Rico, including the store at Santa Rosa Plaza in Bayamón in February 1960, another at the Norte shopping center in Santurce by March 1962, a location at the Centro del Sur shopping center in Ponce in June 1962, and one more at Reparto Metropolitano shopping center in Río Piedras by February 1965. The closure of Kresge stores on the island began in June 1987 with the shutdown of the Centro del Sur store along with another Ponce location.
Expanding beyond mainland United States territories, the Kmart brand inaugurated its first Puerto Rican store on October 21, 1964—a sizable 69,000 square-foot outlet situated within the San Patricio Plaza shopping center in Guaynabo. On December 31, 1967, this San Patricio Plaza store was devastated by a fire estimated to have caused $1.5 million in damages; investigators determined that the blaze originated from cardboard boxes and partition walls stored behind the building exterior. Following reconstruction efforts, this Kmart location reopened on January 30, 1969.
On May 3, 1979, Kmart introduced its third store on Puerto Rico with an 84,180 square-foot facility opening in Trujillo Alto, bringing the total number of Kmart stores across the United States and Canada to 1,532 at that time.
By May 28, 1983, Kmart Corporation had acquired leases for five former Barker's Discount Department Stores locations on the island for roughly $2.1 million. Barker's had shuttered sixteen stores earlier that year due to financial difficulties faced by its parent company KDT Industries, which had filed for bankruptcy and auctioned off leases of closed outlets. Subsequently, three new Kmart stores launched that October: two in Bayamón at Plaza Río Hondo shopping mall and Rexville Plaza shopping center respectively, and one at Plaza del Atlántico mall in Arecibo. This expansion increased employment to over 700 individuals across twelve stores on the island—comprising six Kmart and six Kresge outlets.
In an April 23, 1998 announcement, it was revealed that Kmart planned an investment exceeding $25 million before year-end to upgrade eight of its then-21 stores into Big Kmart formats while also opening two additional locations—one each in Vega Alta and at the prestigious Plaza Las Américas mall. James Mesenbring, regional manager for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean at Kmart, detailed plans for four new Big Kmarts set to debut at Montehiedra Town Center, Los Colobos shopping center in Carolina, Plaza Guayama mall, and Cayey. These complemented existing Big Kmarts operating at San Patricio Plaza and Las Catalinas Mall in Caguas. By July that year, stores located in Vega Baja, Bayamón (Plaza Río Hondo), Caguas (Rafael Cordero Avenue), and Trujillo Alto were also slated for conversion to Big Kmart status. August saw preparations for a $10 million Big Kmart launch in Vega Alta while November marked the grand opening of a two-level flagship store within Plaza Las Américas—the largest on the island at 144,000 square feet.
Between 2002 and 2003, three stores closed amid bankruptcy proceedings: one in Humacao during 2002; another within Juncos Plaza shopping center in Juncos during early 2003; and a third location in Cayey later that year.
In November 2011, Kmart introduced a smaller retail format named “Kmart Express” spanning approximately 8,000 square feet at Plaza Carolina mall in Carolina; however this concept was short-lived.
Throughout the following decade and beyond, multiple closures signaled downsizing trends across Puerto Rican operations. In 2015 alone two stores shut down: one at Señorial Plaza in San Juan and another in Vega Baja. By December 2018 three additional locations ceased operations—San Patricio Plaza store, Las Catalinas Mall outlet, and one situated in San Germán. August of 2019 brought announcements of five more closures affecting stores located in Aguadilla, Trujillo Alto, Cayey, Carolina, and Yauco. Later that November another five outlets declared impending shutdowns: Fajardo; Juana Díaz; Arecibo; Plaza Río Hondo; and Vega Alta. Early January 2020 saw closure news for a store within Plaza Centro Mall in Caguas.
In mid-2020 further closures were confirmed: two more Kmarts would close—one housed inside Plaza Guaynabo mall and another located in Ponce during June; later December saw shutdowns of two additional stores situated within Rexville Town Center (Bayamón) and Western Plaza (Mayagüez).
The final remaining store on the island—the Plaza las Américas location—announced permanent closure on October 15, 2022. This event marked Kmart’s complete exit from operations throughout Puerto Rico. Reports indicated prolonged negotiations between mall ownership and Kmart regarding tenant replacement culminated with Kmart agreeing to vacate by that date.
Operations in Guam
Kmart operates a store located in Tamuning, Guam. This particular location serves both American shoppers and tourists from various Asian countries. Established in May 1995, the store encompasses an area of 170,000 square feet. As of 2018, this Guam outlet generated annual sales of $100 million, making it the highest-grossing Kmart at that time, and it attracted the largest number of customers compared to any other Kmart store. Due to its remote location and limited online retail alternatives on the island, Lucy Craymer of the Wall Street Journal described the Guam Kmart as existing in "a retail version of the Galapagos."
Australia and New Zealand
The inaugural Kmart store in Australia opened its doors in 1969 in Burwood East, Victoria. The original site was redeveloped into a shopping center named Burwood One in 2010. Kmart Australia originated from a partnership between G.J. Coles & Coy Limited (Coles) and the S.S. Kresge Company (Kresge), with Kresge holding a 51% majority stake and Coles owning the remaining 49%. The first Kmart store in New Zealand launched in 1988 in Henderson, a suburb of Auckland. In 1994, Kresge divested its interest by selling its shares to Coles Myer, which succeeded G.J. Coles & Coy Limited. Following the breakup of Coles Myer in 2007, ownership of the Australian and New Zealand Kmart stores transferred to Wesfarmers.
Canada
The first Kmart outlet in Canada launched on March 14, 1963, situated in Huron Heights, Ontario, with a subsequent store opening on May 9, 1963, in Windsor, Ontario.
During 1983-84, five Kmart stores operating within Greater Montreal were shut down. The S.S. Kresge brand ceased Canadian operations by 1994. In late 1997, an announcement was made to close ten of the then 122 Canadian locations. Facing persistent financial struggles, Kmart sold its Canadian division—consisting of 112 stores—to rival retailer Zellers, part of the Hudson's Bay Company, in May 1998. Following this acquisition, many of these stores were either closed outright or rebranded under Hudson's Bay Company banners, predominantly as Zellers outlets.
Slogans
- The Saving Place 1960s–1990
- Your Lowest Price is a Kmart Price 1990–1998
Caribbean
During the early 2000s, Kmart aimed to establish a presence in Caribbean markets where neither Wal-Mart nor Target operated. However, none of the planned stores progressed beyond the construction phase, and no locations were opened before Kmart filed for bankruptcy in 2002, at which point payments to construction contractors ceased.
In 2001, Kmart initiated the building of a Super Kmart store in Trinidad, but construction was suspended in 2002 when the project was approximately 80 percent complete. Additional plans included retail outlets in Trinidad, Millennium Heights in Barbados, five stores across the Dominican Republic, and potential expansion into Jamaica.
Europe
In 1992, Kmart acquired multiple department stores from the communist era throughout Eastern Europe, including thirteen locations formerly owned by the Czechoslovak government. Several of these stores performed well financially, with the Bratislava site achieving a company record for single-store sales. By March 1996, facing difficulties within the U.S. market, Kmart announced the sale of its six Czech Republic and seven Slovakian stores to British retailer Tesco for approximately $117.5 million (equivalent to $Template:Formatprice adjusted for inflation), enabling the company to concentrate on its North American operations.
Mexico
During the 1990s, Kmart launched four outlets across Mexico through a collaboration with the Mexican retailer Liverpool.[51] These were all supercenter formats situated in suburban areas around Mexico City. Approximately fifty percent of each store's space was dedicated to grocery items, designed similarly to U.S. locations but tailored for the local market.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In 1997, these stores along with an under-construction location were sold to Mega, a Mexican hypermarket chain under Comercial Mexicana.[52] All continue to operate under the Mega brand, except for the branch in Tlalnepantla, which was torn down in 2004 to make way for a Costco.
Singapore
In August 1993, plans were revealed to introduce Kmart stores to Singapore.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name This venture, called K-Mart Metro,[53] was established as a joint enterprise with Metro (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of Singapore's Metro Holdings.[54]
The inaugural Kmart location in Singapore opened on May 19, 1994, occupying 9,700 square meters (104,000 sq ft) within the Marina Square Shopping Center.[55]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Subsequently, a second store commenced operations at Lucky Plaza in July 1994,[53] followed by a third and final outlet at Century Square in October 1995.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name By mid-1996, with three stores active nationwide, Kmart announced its decision to cease all Singapore operations.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Management
- S. S. Kresge, Founder (president from 1899 to 1925; CEO from 1925 to 1966)
- Charles Belden Van Dusen (president, 1925–1938)
- Robert R. Williams (president, 1938–1946)
- D. C. Fisher (president, 1946–1953)
- Franklin P. Williams (president, 1953–1958)
- Harry Blair Cunningham (president and general manager, 1959–1972; CEO, 1966–1972)
- Robert E. Dewar (president in 1970; CEO from 1972 to 1980)
- Ervin Wardlow (president, 1972)
- Bernard Fauber (chairman and CEO, 1980–1987)
- Joseph E. Antonini (CEO from 1987 until May 1995)
- Floyd Hall (president and chairman between June 1995 and April 2000; CEO from June 1995 to March 2002)
- Charles Conaway (chairman and CEO, 2000–2002)
- Mark Schwartz (president and COO until January 2003)
- James B. Adamson (president, chairman, and CEO from 2002 until January 2003)
- Julian Day (president and COO starting March 2002; president, COO, and CEO from January 2003 to September 2004)
- Aylwin Lewis (president and CEO from October 2004 through December 2007)
- W. Bruce Johnson (served January 2008 to February 2011)
- Herman Darling (March 2011 to December 2012)
- Eddie S. Lampert (held the position from January 2013 to October 2018; remained on the board following bankruptcy filing)
See also
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References
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Bibliography
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Further reading
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External links
Template:Sears Holdings Corporation Template:Hudson's Bay Trading Company, L.P. Lua error in Module:Authority_control at line 159: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
- Pages with reference errors
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- Kmart
- 1899 establishments in Michigan
- Companies based in Cook County, Illinois
- Hoffman Estates, Illinois
- Companies based in Detroit
- Companies based in Troy, Michigan
- Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002
- Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018
- Defunct retail companies of Canada
- Discount stores of the United States
- Retail companies established in 1899
- Sears Holdings brands
- Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange
- Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq
- Superstores in the United States
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- 2005 mergers and acquisitions
- American companies established in 1899
- Transformco
- Defunct discount stores of the United States