Closures of big chains leave holes filled now by memories

By Alonzo Weston

Kmart, one of the first big-box retailers, closed the doors of its last full-scale store in the mainland United States a week ago. Two big Kmart buildings have sat empty on the Belt Highway here for years.

That marked the end of an era. At its peak, Kmart had more than 2,000 stores in the country. It even survived bankruptcy about 20 years ago.

Now it joins Toys R Us, Radio Shack, Pier 1 and Bed Bath and Beyond in the retail graveyard.

Kmart closing here in St. Joseph ended a definitive era in St. Joseph that began with its origins in the Kresge’s department store Downtown.

What once was Kresge’s is now a parking lot. But in my youth, it was a bright, colorful department store that had a unique caramel candy smell and an amazing toy section. Kresge’s eventually became Kmart and moved to the North Belt Highway. I remember when it opened they sold baby alligators for $5. I wanted one but mom barely let me keep the frog I caught at a Scout camp. Our dog King was enough of a pet, she said.

Kmart was what Walmart is today. You could buy anything there and you always waited for the blue-light specials. Their submarine sandwiches weren’t as fancy as Subway’s but they had a distinct flavor that was highly addictive. Kmart also had an extensive and impressive toy section.

It seems we are losing the places and stores that once defined us to an extent.

We miss Radio Shack, also. Where can you get that stuff they sell nowadays? Best Buy is mostly gone, too.

We loved going to Toys R Us during the holiday shopping season. I enjoyed oohing and ahhing with our kids and grandkids over the new toys and games.

As we supposedly make progress with development on the South Belt and other places and have new restaurants opening, we can only hope they leave the same memories and impressions.

Progress doesn’t always mean moving forward in some ways. Many things we leave behind are what define us. Let’s be careful what we choose.