Kmart, known for its iconic “Blue Light Special,” has a rich history that dates back to 1899. It all began with Sebastian Spurling Kresge, who founded the company as the S.S. Kresge Company. Starting his career with another retail giant named John McCrory, Kresge eventually became the sole owner of the store.
Throughout the 1920s to the 1960s, Kresge’s stores steadily expanded, opening locations in eight cities between Chicago and Pittsburgh. But it was in 1962 that Kmart took a leap into the large-scale discount market. That year, retail pioneer Harry Cunningham constructed the first full-sized Kmart store in Michigan, forever changing the retail landscape.
Interestingly, the inspiration for Kmart’s expansion came from Anne and Hope’s store in Rhode Island. Just as Cunningham and Sam Walton were inspired by this thriving store, they set out to create their own successful retail empire. Walton went on to found Walmart, becoming a fierce competitor of Kmart.
In 1965, Kmart introduced the famous “Blue Light Special” to entice shoppers. The announcement, “Attention Kmart Shoppers,” would blare over the loudspeakers, signaling a special sale. It quickly became a beloved tradition for customers.
Kmart continued to achieve milestones through the years. In 1976, S.S. Kresge made history by opening a whopping 271 stores in a single year. This achievement also made Kmart the first retailer ever to launch 17 million square feet of sales space in just one year.
During its successful days, Kmart collaborated with various celebrities like Jaclyn Smith and Martha Stewart, who endorsed their products. In fact, by 1977, nearly 95 percent of S.S. Kresge’s sales were generated by Kmart stores. This shift prompted the company to change its name to Kmart Corporation, reflecting its primary focus.
Kmart is without a doubt an iconic retailer, with a history rooted in innovation and a commitment to providing customers with quality products at affordable prices.
Check out this video for a glimpse into Kmart’s past: