Kmart’s “Blue Light Special” – Boy, do I remember those days

Kresge’s Origins and Expansion (45 words): Founded in 1899 by Sebastian S. Kresge, Kmart started as S.S. Kresge Company. After a split from partner John McCrory, Kresge became the sole owner, expanding across eight cities. The 1960s marked steady growth, but it transformed in 1962 with the first Kmart, led by Harry Cunningham, entering the discount market in Michigan.

Blue Light Special and Growth (40 words): Kmart introduced the iconic “Blue light special” in 1965, a sales promotion using a flashing blue light. By 1976, the company made history, opening 271 stores in a single year, covering 17 million square feet of sales space. Celebrity endorsements, including Jaclyn Smith and Martha Stewart, fueled Kmart’s success.

Name Change Reflects Success (35 words): By 1977, almost 95 percent of S.S. Kresge’s sales were Kmart’s, prompting a name change to Kmart Corporation. The distinctive “Attention Kmart Shoppers” announcement became synonymous with great deals, symbolizing Kmart’s significant presence in the retail landscape.

Competition and Inspiration (25 words): As Kmart thrived, competitors like Walmart emerged. The first Walmart store opened in 1962, with founders Sam Walton and Harry Cunningham drawing inspiration from successful models like Anne and Hope’s store.

Legacy and Influential Era (20 words): Kmart’s influential era, with iconic announcements and celebrity endorsements, solidified its position in retail history, marking a transformative journey from 1899 to the late 1970s.

Related Posts

Scientists Alert Skywatchers To Arietids: Most Active Daytime Meteor Shower Peaks June 7

The Arietids, one of the most active daytime meteor showers, peak on June 7, 2025. While most of their activity occurs after sunrise, “you might see some…

Wild Snake “Begged” Me For Some Water. When Animal Control Realizes Why, They Say, “You Got Lucky!”

Jake’s peaceful day at the lake took a strange turn when a black snake approached him and stayed unusually close. “Instead of retreating, the snake stayed close,”…

His whole body was itchy, he thought it was an allergy and was diagnosed…See more

What starts as a mild itch might be more serious. In this case, it was *hives*—a skin condition caused by the body releasing histamine. Though it may…

BREAKING NEWS!! Sad news just confirmed the passing of…See more

Three men’s bodies have been recovered from a mudslide near Lillooet, B.C., and one man remains missing, according to the RCMP. “One deceased individual was recovered” on…

9-year-old dies after dental procedure

What began as a routine dental procedure ended in tragedy for 9-year-old Silvanna Moreno, who died just hours after treatment at Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California, on…

The Meaning Of The Intriguing Gesture Of Scratching The Palm Of Another Person’s Hand

Many people are curious about the meaning behind scratching someone’s palm during a handshake, especially between a man and a woman. While interpretations vary, the gesture can…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *