Kmart: History, expansion, and current operations of the American discount retailer

History and size

The first stores carrying the Kmart name opened in 1962. Over the following decades the company expanded to become one of the major players among discount stores. For a long period it was commonly ranked as the third-largest discount retailer, after Walmart and Target.

Geographic reach

Kmart has operated across the United States and in several U.S. territories, including locations in Puerto Rico and Guam. The chain previously maintained stores in other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and parts of Eastern Europe. On October 20, 2014 the company reported 1,077 Kmart stores; since then the number of operating locations has fallen due to closures and corporate restructuring.

Brand and cultural presence

Kmart is well known for its in-store promotional events called Blue Light Specials. The phrase "attention Kmart shoppers" became widely recognised and has been referenced across popular culture.

• Troop Beverly Hills
• Six Days Seven Nights
• Rain Man
• Beetlejuice
• Madea Goes to Jail
• Dawn of the Dead

Since the mid-2000s, Kmart’s footprint and corporate structure have changed substantially. After the Sears acquisition and subsequent business events, the chain now operates far fewer stores than during its peak years.