By Crae Walker, Staff Writer
Nestled in a maze-like, weed-populated parking lot rests the last-remaining Kmart in North Carolina. The industrial lights illuminate the scuffed floors, empty shelves and the endless stretch of “blowout sale” signs.
“You go to the other stores like Walmart and Belk and there are people,” a local Kmart customer said. “Here it’s like a ghost town.”
The parking lot is always low on cars, and the store itself seems to have a maximum of five consumers during the off-season. Once a rival company to Walmart, there are now only 70 stores left in the US, one of which is in our state.
Despite Kmart’s dwindling numbers, this location has still managed to stay afloat, and many locals are left to assume why.
“They (Kmart) bankrolls in the off-season,” another customer said.
Tourism is a logical reason for Kmart’s remaining business. Kmart isn’t frequently visited by locals, even though the store has a prominent location. Prices are set much lower than usual due to struggles within the parent company. It has cheap items which are perfect for the good ol’ family vacation; even if they’re only used once.
Aside from tourists, the rest of Kmart’s consumers likely come for the convenience of a close retailer. If you’re looking for something specific, you can always try your luck by checking Kmart. Others may be trying to take advantage of some wintertime desperation.
“I came and thought, ‘they got to have crazy clearance right now,’” the second customer said.
Despite these reasons to visit the store, the company’s stance on the Outer Banks location is shrouded in mystery. Kmart employees are not permitted to speak to the media. A media contact for Kmart’s parent company also declined to comment when asked about this store now being the last Kmart in the state.
“It saddens me in the fact it was here for so long and it’s gone downhill,” the first customer said.
The consumers’ stances aren’t clear either, as opinions vary: “I always grew up shopping at Kmart, so I appreciate that, but I think it’s time for this one to go,” the second customer said.
Whether or not closing the store would be seen as a good thing, the fact still remains that it would be the end of an era.
The Kmart brand has been around since 1962, with the store opening in 1899. This makes our store a last hope for North Carolina’s history and a 50-year-old business tradition.
“I was born and raised in this county, and (the store) was new,” the first customer said.
Kmart may no longer be a household name, or even liked. But knowing that it would be the end of a local legend creates a little more respect for this piece of history on its last legs.
Junior Crae Walker can be reached at 21walkermc92@daretolearn.org.
