Definition

A discount department store chain that operated from 1962 to 2019, offering affordable clothing, home goods, and variety merchandise. Once a major competitor to Walmart, it filed for bankruptcy in 2002 and gradually closed all remaining stores.

Example Usage

We used to buy our back-to-school supplies at Kmart because their prices were unbeatable.

Origin

Founded by S. S. Kresge Company as a 'K-Mart' discount outlet; the name derived from 'Kresge' and 'mart' (market).

Fun Fact

Kmart's iconic blue light special—a in-store promotion announced over loudspeaker for flash discounts—became a beloved cultural touchstone that outlived the chain itself.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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