My kmart store was announced to close for good this Jan after 43 years and we closed our doors forever this april. A sad day indeed as we had many long term, loyal really good workers who cared about the company and each other. I can't tell u the number of customers who were genuinely shocked and sad at the announcement. Many many people shopped us over walmart.Like a lot of stores we were like family. I mean, u really do spend more time at work than at home especially if you r salaried and working your hours honestly. I stayed until the end and let me tell u- what a thing it is to close down your store after working there for years. It's like u r tearing down pieces of yourself Lil by lil. To work a day, and then have a few off and come back to work and see whole dept's gone Is truly gut wrenching. Alot of people reading this will probably not get that statement but those of u who r long time kmart workers will! Those of us who were left at the end got to demolish the service desk and checkouts with sludgehammers. I will tell u, that felt pretty damn good! We took pictures of the front knart sign coming off the building letter by letter. The process is like the grinch going into that house and wiping everything out. There is literally nothing left when u r done this process. Everything is taken, sold or destroyed.
I did receive my full severance which I am grateful for. Eddie could have stopped that last year or anytime. They r not required to pay it. I am employed again and loving the new job. They actually give raises here and match 401k up to 5%! Go figure!
To all that r left, goid luck and do what is best for u- whether u leave now or stay to the end. A once great company brought to its knees begging and gasping for life. Very sad time for all that r left and really all who have left. It could have gone a hell of alot differently with someone else at the helm. Godspeed everyone!