Kmart Closes Last Full-Size U.S. Store

The last full-sized Kmart in the U.S. mainland, located in Bridgehampton, New York, is set to close on October 20, marking the end of an era for the discount retailer. Known for its iconic 'blue light specials,' Kmart once thrived with over 2,000 locations but faced a decline due to mismanagement and competition from Walmart, Target, and Amazon, leading to bankruptcy filings and numerous closures. The Bridgehampton store served as a crucial shopping hub for locals, providing affordable options in a luxury-dominated area, where the average home price exceeds $3 million. Customers, including both locals and celebrities, expressed nostalgia for the store, which was a staple in their community and a unique shopping experience in the Hamptons. Only one small Kmart remains in Miami, with a few others in territories like Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, signaling the near-total disappearance of the brand from the mainland U.S. The closure has sparked a wave of remembrance among dedicated shoppers who reflect on Kmart's significant place in American retail history.