Kmart closed all its stores by 2019

Kmart, the discount department store chain that operated for over 60 years, ceased operations entirely in 2019. The last Kmart store closed in October 2019, ending the company's presence in the United States. If you shopped at Kmart before it closed or are looking for stores that offered similar products and prices, you have several alternatives available today.

The chain filed for bankruptcy in 2018 after struggling with declining sales and competition from online retailers and other discount stores. Sears Holdings, which owned both Kmart and Sears, could not reverse the financial decline. Store closures began in 2017 and accelerated through 2018 and 2019 until no locations remained.

Key Takeaways

  • Kmart permanently closed all stores by October 2019 and no longer operates anywhere in the United States.
  • Walmart, Target, and Costco now serve many of the customers who previously shopped at Kmart for clothing, household goods, and general merchandise.
  • Online retailers like Amazon offer similar product ranges and often provide home delivery, which Kmart did not widely offer before closing.
  • Discount chains like Five Below, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls carry clothing and home goods at lower price points similar to what Kmart offered.

Where Kmart customers shop now

Walmart is the closest replacement for most Kmart shoppers. Both stores offered general merchandise at discount prices, including clothing, household items, electronics, and groceries. Walmart operates thousands of locations nationwide and carries many of the same brands and product categories that Kmart stocked.

Target serves a similar role but typically positions itself at a slightly higher price point than Kmart did. Target carries apparel, home goods, toys, and seasonal items in a store layout that many former Kmart customers find familiar. Target also operates a strong online store with same-day delivery options in many areas.

Costco and Sam's Club appeal to shoppers looking for bulk purchases and membership-based discounts. These warehouse clubs do not carry the same range of individual items that Kmart did, but they offer significant savings on groceries, household supplies, and seasonal goods for members.

Discount and off-price alternatives

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross Dress for Less focus on clothing and home goods at reduced prices. These stores buy overstock and past-season merchandise from other retailers, which allows them to sell items at lower prices than traditional department stores. If you shopped at Kmart for clothing deals, these chains offer a similar value proposition.

Five Below specializes in items priced at five dollars or less, plus select merchandise up to twenty-five dollars. The store carries toys, games, home décor, seasonal items, and accessories. For budget-conscious shoppers, Five Below provides an extreme discount option that Kmart did not offer in the same way.

Dollar stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar carry basic household items, cleaning supplies, and seasonal goods at very low prices. These stores do not offer the clothing selection or electronics that Kmart did, but they serve the same budget-conscious customer base for specific product categories.

Online shopping as a Kmart replacement

Amazon now captures much of the market share that Kmart once held for general merchandise shopping. Amazon offers clothing, household goods, electronics, toys, and seasonal items with home delivery to most addresses. Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on millions of items, which provides convenience that Kmart stores did not offer before closing.

Walmart.com and Target.com both allow you to order online and pick up at a nearby store, or have items delivered to your home. This hybrid approach combines the convenience of online shopping with the immediacy of in-store pickup. Many shoppers find this option faster and more flexible than visiting a physical store.

eBay and Facebook Marketplace connect buyers and sellers of used and new merchandise. If you are looking for specific Kmart brand items or vintage products from when Kmart operated, these platforms sometimes have inventory from former store stock or customer resales.

What happened to Kmart's store locations

Most Kmart buildings were leased rather than owned by the company. After stores closed, landlords either leased the spaces to other retailers or left them vacant. Some locations became home to discount chains, fitness centers, medical offices, or other businesses. A few buildings remain empty in certain communities.

Kmart's real estate and inventory were liquidated through bankruptcy proceedings. Store fixtures, shelving, and remaining merchandise were sold off through liquidation sales in the months before final closures. Some of this equipment was purchased by other retailers or resold through commercial liquidators.

Kmart's private label brands and where to find them

Kmart sold clothing and home goods under several private labels, including Jaclyn Smith, Route 66, and Craftsman tools. Sears still operates a limited number of stores and online, and carries some of these same brands. Craftsman tools are now sold primarily through Lowe's, Home Depot, and Amazon.

Jaclyn Smith branded clothing occasionally appears at discount retailers and online marketplaces, though new production under this label is limited. If you are looking for specific Kmart brand items, checking Walmart, Target, and online resale platforms may turn up inventory from former stock or customer collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still return items I bought at Kmart?

No. Kmart ceased operations in 2019, and the company no longer processes returns or refunds. If you have receipts and the items are unused, some retailers may accept them as returns if purchased within their return window, but Kmart itself cannot process any transactions.

Where can I find Kmart gift cards that are still valid?

Kmart gift cards are no longer valid and cannot be redeemed anywhere. The company did not transfer balances to other retailers. If you have unused gift cards, they have no monetary value. Some collectors purchase vintage Kmart gift cards for memorabilia purposes through online marketplaces.

Does Sears still operate Kmart stores under a different name?

No. Sears and Kmart were separate brands owned by the same parent company. Sears operates independently with a much smaller store footprint than it did before 2019. Kmart was not rebranded or merged into Sears; it was shut down completely.

What stores are most similar to what Kmart offered?

Walmart is the closest match for general merchandise at discount prices. Target offers a similar product range at slightly higher prices. For specific categories, TJ Maxx and Marshalls replace Kmart's clothing deals, while Costco and Sam's Club replace bulk purchasing options.