K-Mart

[gu4ever]

Originally posted by Zayre88

Originally posted by Marc82

Originally posted by gu4ever
A new sign on the Lilac Mall.

Ugly.

I agree, I like the fact that it's new and a much needed refresh, but done the wrong way for some reason.  They need to pick one logo and make it right everywhere.

 I never really understood the sign change over to the "BIG" Kmart sign? The new simple logo reminds me of the classic sign.

[Marc82]

My mom asked me to take her to the one in Waterbury, CT today since I live closer to Waterbury than she does. (I live in Bristol right off of 69 and KMART is 15 mins down 69 from where I live). What a freaking dump the Waterbury store is. The interior is painted miss matched colors. It's poorly laid out. The store directory is out of date. (It still has restaurant on it even tho the restaurant is gone and replaced by children clothing). It's small and I saw more employees than customers.

[Zayre88]

Originally posted by Marc82
My mom asked me to take her to the one in Waterbury, CT today since I live closer to Waterbury than she does. (I live in Bristol right off of 69 and KMART is 15 mins down 69 from where I live). What a freaking dump the Waterbury store is. The interior is painted miss matched colors. It's poorly laid out. The store directory is out of date. (It still has restaurant on it even tho the restaurant is gone and replaced by children clothing). It's small and I saw more employees than customers.

And that's the main problem with Kmart, they're uneven, there is no common standards, they have nice stores, bad stores, small stores, larger stores, 3-4 color schemes, various layouts, various logos, 3-4 kinds of carts, product assortment and service is also uneven from store to store, many stores badly need to be renovated and refreshed.

Sorry, this looks like Kmart bashing, another topic!

[d_fife]

Originally posted by gu4ever
A new sign on the Lilac Mall.

when did they do this?

[beachbum2704]

the site is sitting empty. just piles of rubble,  no news on when the new construction is going to start.

[ameskmart1]

Here's a Kmart with a cool version of the current logo (Miami, FL from http://www.flickr.com/photos/30226888@N02/3670124509/)

[Retail Fan+ (Justin Hill)]

Originally posted by ameskmart1
Here's a Kmart with a cool version of the current logo (Miami, FL from http://www.flickr.com/photos/30226888@N02/3670124509/)
 

That's a cool throwback look!

Now, that's what I call "Kmartsmart!"

[AmesNewington]

I went with my mom to the Kmart in Cromwell CT today. I was surprised to see that they cleaned the store up since I last visited the store (my first visit actually) in 2007. The former K-Cafe is now the Intimate Apparel department. The store has a special hold on me because it very much resembled Ames, especially the Newington CT store. The lighting is the same (very bright old fashioned that you can see from one end of the store to the other), the old ceiling fans, the floors, and the way the clothing section was arranged. Overall, it was nice to visit a "vintage department store".

What I noticed is that they are low on stock. They will put one or two of the same item on the shelve and they have a lot of empty space on the shelves. It seemed strange to me. They also have a Sears appliance department towards the back of the store. While this store reminds me of Ames, it does not resemble the Kmart of ten years ago. I visited both the Bristol CT and Plainville CT stores during that time and they seemed more upbeat and modern. I remember the mid-90s commercials with Rosie (O' Donnell) and it all just seems as if Kmart went in so many different directions, it has a "warped identity" now. Nonetheless, it was a nice shopping experience. Mom and I will hopefully make a trip to Cromwell every so often to visit again.

BTW, near the registers they have a soda fountain and a coffee machine and you have to buy a cup at the register for 99 cents (they are in a dispenser attached to the register) and after that, you can help yourself.

[Retail Fan+ (Justin Hill)]

The Kmart in Green Bay, Wisconsin (note the close proximity to Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers)

Special thanks to: AndrewT366 at Flickr.

[Retail Fan+ (Justin Hill)]

Peoria, Illinois:


Morton, Illinois:


Pekin, Illinois:


Washington, Illinois:


White Lake, Michigan:

(more photos-click here)

[GothicPrincess]

That's just wrong. K-mart should be red. Us old people don't like change! lol

[Zayre88]

A good word for Kmart for once, I've never seen so many Kmart TV commercials during the holiday season.  Nice, at least customers will know Kmart is alive.  Of course not all stores will be exciting and full of awesome merchandise like the ads are, but it's great to see these ads.

[Retail Fan+ (Justin Hill)]

Originally posted by GothicPrincess
That's just wrong. K-mart should be red. Us old people don't like change! lol

When those prototypes were introduced, the chain was filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I guess they chose lime green, because it looked trendy, and because some people associate the color red with Target. They just wanted to be different, just like when Shopko went with a more upscale logo and design in 2007. I know some people don't like change, but it happened quite a bit to all of us.

[nims57]

Could the Pekin one have been a W.T. Grant? Or was it an earlier Kmart?

[Retail Fan+ (Justin Hill)]

Originally posted by nims57
Could the Pekin one have been a W.T. Grant? Or was it an earlier Kmart?

It was an early Kmart.

[GothicPrincess]

Originally posted by ShopKoFan

Originally posted by GothicPrincess
That's just wrong. K-mart should be red. Us old people don't like change! lol

When those prototypes were introduced, the chain was filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I guess they chose lime green, because it looked trendy, and because some people associate the color red with Target. They just wanted to be different, just like when Shopko went with a more upscale logo and design in 2007. I know some people don't like change, but it happened quite a bit to all of us.

I can understand and sympathize with their plight, but still. Keep it red lol My K-mart is red, and dirty, and representative of every K-mart I've ever been in, from NJ to West PA, all the way down to FL. I've not been in every single one, but in a fair few, and I was never impressed. But I do shop there when I can. I just got new sneakers from there for 25 bucks, and I got my son's sneakers for only 10. Buy one get one half price :) I have probs finding sneakers in Wal-mart and payless, and I'm not going to pay 50-100 dollars for one pair at the more expensive places. I need them to wear out and beat down. And after Monday I'm on vacation from school until Jan. 8th, so I don't have to worry about having the best sneaks. I will faithfully shop at K-mart for my sneakers. Oh, and I got my daughter's plastic bowling set for 10 bucks there. She's destroyed 2 already, and she's at the age where she'll be good with it and not crush them. Good luck to K-mart in the future. No color changes, just sweep the stores...and a mop might help.................... ;)

[KmartDanny09]

Originally posted by GothicPrincess

Originally posted by ShopKoFan

Originally posted by GothicPrincess
That's just wrong. K-mart should be red. Us old people don't like change! lol

When those prototypes were introduced, the chain was filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I guess they chose lime green, because it looked trendy, and because some people associate the color red with Target. They just wanted to be different, just like when Shopko went with a more upscale logo and design in 2007. I know some people don't like change, but it happened quite a bit to all of us.

I can understand and sympathize with their plight, but still. Keep it red lol My K-mart is red, and dirty, and representative of every K-mart I've ever been in, from NJ to West PA, all the way down to FL. I've not been in every single one, but in a fair few, and I was never impressed. But I do shop there when I can. I just got new sneakers from there for 25 bucks, and I got my son's sneakers for only 10. Buy one get one half price :) I have probs finding sneakers in Wal-mart and payless, and I'm not going to pay 50-100 dollars for one pair at the more expensive places. I need them to wear out and beat down. And after Monday I'm on vacation from school until Jan. 8th, so I don't have to worry about having the best sneaks. I will faithfully shop at K-mart for my sneakers. Oh, and I got my daughter's plastic bowling set for 10 bucks there. She's destroyed 2 already, and she's at the age where she'll be good with it and not crush them. Good luck to K-mart in the future. No color changes, just sweep the stores...and a mop might help.................... ;)

For being a "discounter" I think that Kmart has quality shoes and clothing items. For one thing, I like that Kmart has a wide variety of clothing for "young adults" like myself (I'm 19). They're jeans, shirts, and shoes are very trendy and rival most brands at the mall, Kohl's and JCPenny's. I can buy my clothes at Kmart, and they look like I spent a ton more on them then I did. Heck, a friend of mine was SHOCKED when he asked where I purchased one of my outfits from, and it was Kmart. I just wish that they would reexpand the Joe Boxer line of clothing items... they had really t-shirt!!

Wal-Mart and Meijer clothing, in my opinion, looks like it was purchased a discount department store. Meijer, for the most part, also lacks a "young adult" department and what little they have is about the same price as Kohl's. Wal-Mart clothing is cheap and looks like it was purchased from Wal-Mart.

Anyways, getting back on track, I think Kmart will have large success in the future. This economy has had a lot of people thinking of layaway again.. as I said last year, I think that layaway will bring people back into the store year-end and for more than just layaway purchases. Also, Kmart is dominating a lot of television commerical air time, and hopefully people will see these commericals and think that Kmart is a viable company! Kmart was also of the first retailers to embrace social-networking advertising... Kmart is my friend on MySpace and Facebook... not only do they take customer suggestions and feedback, but they also advertise the latest specials and sales!

MyKmart.com is also a sign that corporate is LISTENING to customer. It's a message board that allows corporate, associates, and customers to exchange ideas... and I think we'll see corporate listening.

As for the future success... even before Kmart starts a massive remodeling program, they need to invest in supply-chain management and technology. We're using register systems that are almost 15 years old. Our portable RMU (Remote Mobile Units) by Symbol are circa 80's. We need technology that efficently orders merchandise and ensures that we get no out-of-stocks or at least lets department managers order merchandise when stocks are low. We need technology that speeds up the check-out process without freezing up or locking-up and doesn't require a 15-minute restart. We need technology that is better about creating signs. We need technology that organizes lay-a-way better...

that's the Kmart killer... we can't keep merchandise in stock and we can't order it when it's low... so I think that Kmart needs a massive IT update.

As for stores... Kmart needs to look to Meijer and Target's store designs philosophies. Heck, even a fresh coat of paint would help a ton!

[Retail Fan+ (Justin Hill)]

Originally posted by KmartDanny09

Originally posted by GothicPrincess

Originally posted by ShopKoFan

Originally posted by GothicPrincess
That's just wrong. K-mart should be red. Us old people don't like change! lol

When those prototypes were introduced, the chain was filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I guess they chose lime green, because it looked trendy, and because some people associate the color red with Target. They just wanted to be different, just like when Shopko went with a more upscale logo and design in 2007. I know some people don't like change, but it happened quite a bit to all of us.

I can understand and sympathize with their plight, but still. Keep it red lol My K-mart is red, and dirty, and representative of every K-mart I've ever been in, from NJ to West PA, all the way down to FL. I've not been in every single one, but in a fair few, and I was never impressed. But I do shop there when I can. I just got new sneakers from there for 25 bucks, and I got my son's sneakers for only 10. Buy one get one half price :) I have probs finding sneakers in Wal-mart and payless, and I'm not going to pay 50-100 dollars for one pair at the more expensive places. I need them to wear out and beat down. And after Monday I'm on vacation from school until Jan. 8th, so I don't have to worry about having the best sneaks. I will faithfully shop at K-mart for my sneakers. Oh, and I got my daughter's plastic bowling set for 10 bucks there. She's destroyed 2 already, and she's at the age where she'll be good with it and not crush them. Good luck to K-mart in the future. No color changes, just sweep the stores...and a mop might help.................... ;)

For being a "discounter" I think that Kmart has quality shoes and clothing items. For one thing, I like that Kmart has a wide variety of clothing for "young adults" like myself (I'm 19). They're jeans, shirts, and shoes are very trendy and rival most brands at the mall, Kohl's and JCPenny's. I can buy my clothes at Kmart, and they look like I spent a ton more on them then I did. Heck, a friend of mine was SHOCKED when he asked where I purchased one of my outfits from, and it was Kmart. I just wish that they would reexpand the Joe Boxer line of clothing items... they had really t-shirt!!

Wal-Mart and Meijer clothing, in my opinion, looks like it was purchased a discount department store. Meijer, for the most part, also lacks a "young adult" department and what little they have is about the same price as Kohl's. Wal-Mart clothing is cheap and looks like it was purchased from Wal-Mart.

Anyways, getting back on track, I think Kmart will have large success in the future. This economy has had a lot of people thinking of layaway again.. as I said last year, I think that layaway will bring people back into the store year-end and for more than just layaway purchases. Also, Kmart is dominating a lot of television commerical air time, and hopefully people will see these commericals and think that Kmart is a viable company! Kmart was also of the first retailers to embrace social-networking advertising... Kmart is my friend on MySpace and Facebook... not only do they take customer suggestions and feedback, but they also advertise the latest specials and sales!

MyKmart.com is also a sign that corporate is LISTENING to customer. It's a message board that allows corporate, associates, and customers to exchange ideas... and I think we'll see corporate listening.

As for the future success... even before Kmart starts a massive remodeling program, they need to invest in supply-chain management and technology. We're using register systems that are almost 15 years old. Our portable RMU (Remote Mobile Units) by Symbol are circa 80's. We need technology that efficently orders merchandise and ensures that we get no out-of-stocks or at least lets department managers order merchandise when stocks are low. We need technology that speeds up the check-out process without freezing up or locking-up and doesn't require a 15-minute restart. We need technology that is better about creating signs. We need technology that organizes lay-a-way better...

that's the Kmart killer... we can't keep merchandise in stock and we can't order it when it's low... so I think that Kmart needs a massive IT update.

As for stores... Kmart needs to look to Meijer and Target's store designs philosophies. Heck, even a fresh coat of paint would help a ton!

I agree with this statement, that Kmart needs to change for the better. Even Kmart Australia is one-upping their American counterparts even after splitting up from Kmart US in 1978. Not only should they look to Target and Meijer's design philosophies, but they should also look to the design philosophies of ShopKo, since their stores have pharmacies and optical centers as well.

[jmcnamara96]

Kmart in Salem NH it also has al new red and blue carts
<a href="http://s621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/jmcnamara96/?action=view&current=JoesPictures1214.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/jmcnamara96/JoesPictures1214.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Heres the Garden Area Toys R Us sign in the backround
<a href="http://s621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/jmcnamara96/?action=view&current=JoesPictures1218.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/jmcnamara96/JoesPictures1218.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[TRJ22487]

Cleaning out my closet - Kmart price tag from 1997

[gu4ever]

The former Big Kmart of Londonderry, NH now home to Sears Essentials.

[gu4ever]

The store front even though painted blue is scared from the Big Kmart sign. It's hard to see in the photo, but is visible in person.

[gu4ever]

The former music and video department in this Kmart was located in the front of the store by the checkouts.
Electronics was located near lawn and garden on the other side of the store.

[gu4ever]

A portion of the former music and video department in the front of the store has been closed off and turned into the signage room.
The interior of the space has not been updated so you can still see the original red floors that were in the space.

[gu4ever]

The former Kmart music and video department wall decor.

[jmcnamara96]

Originally posted by gu4ever
The former Big Kmart of Londonderry, NH now home to Sears Essentials.

i used to shop here all the time because when i lived in Hudson we went to this Market basket instead for more variety and then would go here when it was Kmart and now  when it  is sears little ceasers was in this store when you walk in to the left near the bathrooms is the old LC unless they covered it up i haven't been there since 2007 also did you see the abandoned marshals next door i took the receiving sign it was a nice store

[gu4ever]

Originally posted by jmcnamara96

Originally posted by gu4ever
The former Big Kmart of Londonderry, NH now home to Sears Essentials.

i used to shop here all the time because when i lived in Hudson we went to this Market basket instead for more variety and then would go here when it was Kmart and now  when it  is sears little ceasers was in this store when you walk in to the left near the bathrooms is the old LC unless they covered it up i haven't been there since 2007 also did you see the abandoned marshals next door i took the receiving sign it was a nice store

I did see the Marshalls next door, most of the window covering has already fallen off the windows so it was pretty easy to see inside. I was surprised they striped the interior of the store bare with the exception of the service desk in the front right corner.
Thanks for the info on Little Ceasers, I could not remember what was in that space, Sears has striped away any traces that a restaurant was in that area. The outline space remains and currently features some snow blowers and seasonal merchandise.

[dmx10101]

Nice pics of the Sears essentials!

[gu4ever]

Well not even a month later from my last visit and the Sears Essential in Londonderry, NH has decided it will be shutting it's doors for good!

[jmcnamara96]

Noooooooooo my sears/kmart will be gone