Kmart in Craig to close in mid-December
Sasha Nelson
Craig — Kmart in Craig will close in late December impacting about 30 employees.
It is not known what’s next for the property that is leased by Sears Holdings, the company that owns Kmart.
All store items are discounted, with some prices slashed up to 70 percent off.
“We made the difficult but necessary decision to close the Kmart store at 1198 W. Victory in Craig. The store will close to the public in mid-December,” said Director of Corporate Communications at Sears Holdings Howard Riefs. “Until then, the store will remain open for customers.”
Sears Holdings announced in early September the closure of 60 stores system-wide including the Kmart in Craig, said store manager David Ross in an interview in September.
“We have been strategically and aggressively evaluating our store space and productivity and have accelerated the closing of unprofitable stores as previously announced,” Riefs said.
The closure will impact about 30 employees, said Ross.
“Most of the associates are part time/hourly. Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores,” Riefs said.
The store began its liquidation sale on Sept. 22.
“We often hear from our members who are disappointed when we close a store, but our Shop Your Way membership platform, websites and mobile apps allow us to maintain these valued relationships long after a store closes its doors,” Riefs said.
The store is leased by Sears Holdings from GFI-Craig II Investments LP, a company out of Bountiful, Utah, according to the Moffat County Assessors property database.
At time of press, no one was available from GFI to comment on what is planned next for the property.
City of Craig Finance Director and interim City Manager Bruce Nelson said that the impact of the closure to city sales tax revenue will depend on where Kmart customers choose to shop — local or out-of-town.
“It’s a tough one to call, but we don’t like to lose businesses,” Nelson said.
Contact Sasha Nelson at 970-875-1794 or snelson@CraigDailyPress.com or follow her on Twitter @CDP_Education.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Craig and Moffat County make the Craig Press’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator
Trusted User
Greater Sandhill Crane Week marks start of bugling bird’s return to Yampa Valley
In the next few weeks, about 1,200 tall, lanky birds known for their unique bugling call that can carry for miles will return to the Yampa Valley after spending the winter in Northern Mexico, New…