America has seen its fair share of successful department stores through the years. Most people will remember shopping at ‘Kmart.’ The store was a feature of many strip malls in the 80s and 90s. Do you remember anything you purchased on ‘The Blue Light Special?’
Unfortunately, there are only 3 Kmarts left in the country. During Kmart’s most successful period, there were over 2,000 stores nationwide. The store was featured in TV and movies, permeating pop culture in America.
Celebrities endorsed Kmart products, and Americans shopped the stores for clothes, supplies, and housewares. In many ways, Kmart served the country as Walmart does currently. It was the go-to store for almost everything at a reasonable price. 
Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, making it the largest U.S. retailer to ever make that move, in 2002. Other stores like Target, Walmart, and even Amazon have pushed Kmart out of the retail space.
Kmart Corporation was first incorporated in 1899 as S.S. Kresge Corporation, and it was renamed Kmart corporation in 1977. The very first store opened in 1962 in Garden City, Michigan. At its peak in 1994, Kmart had amassed 2,486 operating stores globally, including Super Kmart locations.
