The closure of the Kmart store in Bridgehampton, New York, on October 20, 2024, signifies the end of an era for the iconic American retail chain.
At a Glance
- The last full-size Kmart store in continental U.S. will close in October 2024
- The Bridgehampton Kmart will shut down after 25 years of operation
- Only two Kmart stores remain in the U.S.: Bridgehampton, NY and Miami, FL
- Kmart’s decline followed its merger with Sears and eventual bankruptcy
End of an Iconic Era
On October 20, 2024, the Kmart store in Bridgehampton, New York, will permanently close its doors. This store, the last full-size Kmart in the continental U.S., symbolizes the end of an era for a retailer that has been a staple in American retail history for over a century. While this year’s closure signifies a somber chapter for Kmart, it illustrates the store’s decline stemming from economic challenges.
The Bridgehampton Kmart, which opened in 1999 where the now-defunct Caldor once stood, has stood strong for the past 25 years. Its departure leaves the Miami, Florida store as the sole operating Kmart in the U.S. outside of its U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam locations.
Kmart’s story began in 1899 when Sebastian Spering Kresge founded the company. This remarkable journey saw its peak in the 1990s when Kmart operated approximately 2,500 stores across the country. Its “Blue Light Special” became a cultural phenomenon, offering spontaneous discounts that prompted eager shoppers to bargain-hunt throughout the store.
The last Kmart is closing this October.https://t.co/oIl1BgrjTx
— Dayton 24/7 Now (@dayton247now) September 23, 2024
A Symbol of Decline
Kmart began merging with other retailers, notably Sears in an $11-billion deal in 2005. This partnership did not yield anticipated synergies, and both retailers faced mounting debts and stiff competition from Walmart and Target. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002 and again in 2018, the gradual closure of Kmart stores became inevitable. Transformco acquired Kmart and its affiliated assets in 2019 to steer the troubled brand, but its efforts couldn’t halt the declining trend.
This sentiment is echoed by Michael Lisicky, a U.S. retail history author, who said, “Kmart was part of America. Everybody went to Kmart, whether you liked it or not. They had everything. You had toys. You had sporting goods. You had candy. You had stationery. It was something for everybody. This was almost as much of a social visit as it was a shopping visit. You could spend hours here. And these just dotted the American landscape over the years.”
Legacy and Implications
Although the Bridgehampton store’s closure seems like the end of an era, Kmart’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who frequented its aisles. The retailer’s decline serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of American commerce, where only the adaptable survive. Kmart’s history underscores the importance of innovation and the necessity for businesses to evolve with the times.
Even as we bid farewell to the last full-size Kmart store in the continental U.S., its place in American retail history remains significant. The name Kmart will forever symbolize affordability, community, and an era of retail shopping that shaped the experiences of many Americans.
