Kmart’s final full-scale store in New York, located in Bridgehampton, is set to close its doors for good, marking the end of an era for a retail giant that once dominated the American landscape.
Once a staple of suburban shopping centers across the country, Kmart is now headed to the retail graveyard alongside other once-beloved brands like Toys R Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Sears. It’s hard to believe, but this is where we are: another retail icon biting the dust, its shelves empty, with last-chance sales offering up to 70% off to bargain-hunters hoping to snag one final deal.
A light has gone out today
A blue light 😞
Goodbye Kmart Bridgehampton, NY 🫡#kmart #TheresStillKmartGuamTho pic.twitter.com/brRhFDdW6O— 15digitlongname👽🐸🕺 (@15digitlongname) October 21, 2024
For long-time shoppers, Kmart’s closure is more than just another business shutting down—it’s the end of a cultural touchstone. “This was our go-to when we were growing up,” said one customer, Cherry, reminiscing about visiting the store multiple times a week. “Whatever we needed, come back here… sometimes in the same day.”
Many others echoed this sentiment, sharing stories of shopping trips with family, hunting for deals, and hanging out with friends. For those who grew up with Kmart, the store was more than just a place to buy things; it was part of their routine, part of their community.
The former retail giant renowned for its Blue Light Specials is shuttering its last full-scale store in the mainland United States. https://t.co/PRkYLC7TOP
— WFAA (@wfaa) October 19, 2024
Kmart’s decline is a long time coming, but it didn’t have to end this way. Founded in 1962, Kmart was a major player in American retail for decades, with thousands of stores across the country. Bold moves in the 1990s, like the purchase of Sports Authority and OfficeMax, seemed promising at the time. But by 2002, the company filed for bankruptcy, and the wheels started falling off. A merger with Sears in 2005 didn’t help matters, and both chains eventually succumbed to the pressures of changing consumer habits, poor management decisions, and the relentless rise of e-commerce.
For locals in Bridgehampton, the closure is especially tough. As one shopper, Arnone, told CNN, “We need a store like this. There’s nothing in the Hamptons for regular people to shop in.” That’s the kicker, isn’t it? With Kmart gone, affordable shopping options in the area are all but disappearing, replaced by high-end boutiques and online retailers. The convenience of online shopping may be a win for some, but it’s hard to replace the feeling of walking through a store and finding deals in person, especially for those who live in areas with limited retail options.
The last Kmart in the continental U.S. is closing its doors, joining a growing list of retailers shutting down brick and mortar locations. pic.twitter.com/c2Y4Q1PWuJ
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) October 21, 2024
The closure of this Kmart reflects a broader trend in American retail, where e-commerce giants like Amazon are replacing once-thriving brick-and-mortar stores. For many, it’s a sign of progress, but for others, it’s a loss of the kind of community-centered retail experiences that defined much of 20th-century America. As one shopper, Sarah Bullock, said, “I always liked the prices. I’m sad to see it go.” Like so many others, she’s left with fond memories—and a little sadness—as yet another retail giant fades into history.
