It is very likely that most shoppers have not been to a Kmart in quite some time. It is also very likely that many people do not realize that Kmart still exists. Yes, Kmart is still alive but not well.
Until very recently, Kmart operated over 2100 stores in all 50 states. Now only 34 stores remain. And the stores that remain are sparsely stocked and in desperate need of attention. It is a sad time for a once-proud retailer.
A recent visit to a Maryland Kmart, during the current stay-at-home order, proved otherwise. Signage that promoted social distancing was not needed. There were very few customers.
An overstocked clothing department sat alongside an odd assortment of grocery products, a barren home and sporting goods department, and aisles and aisles of dramatically discounted holiday items. However, a pharmacy located in the store’s corner clearly served a need for its regular customers.
Unlike other Kmarts visited over the past few years, this Maryland Kmart was relatively clean. There was a certain pride to it. In spite of dwindling truck deliveries, this store was seemingly doing the best with what it had. Twice-weekly truck deliveries have been cut in half. Store employees do not even know what will be on these trucks. Hopefully it will be something that shoppers need so that sales do not drop any further. Kmart associates need jobs and the country does not need another empty retail building.
The checkout process at Kmart can be a grueling experience. Lines are terribly long and its IBM registers date from 2007. Shoppers often abandon these lines and just leave the store. But during that recent visit, an announcement, “Attention Kmart shoppers,” recalled the store’s glory days. A supply for N95 respirator masks had just arrived. $4 each; limit four per customer at the pharmacy counter. Once again, Kmart was essential.
Source: Forbes