BLUELIGHT SPECIAL!: The History & Memories of KREGE'S & KMART

In great detail, this entertaining and educational book covers the chronological history, financial growth, and confidential accounts of one of the most iconic commercial enterprises in the world – the “S. S. Kresge Company”, later known as “Kmart Corporation”. The book begins with the story of the company’s founder, Sebestian S. Kresge; from his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to his upbringing, career and personal life, to the origins of the S. S. Kresge Company in Detroit and its unimaginable success. The book then traces the company’s development, national expansion, and achievements throughout the decades, including the establishment and contributions of “The Kresge Foundation”. The book then focuses on the concept of the first “Kmart” in 1962, and the astonishing growth of the iconic ‘discounter stores’, which resulted in 95% of overall corporate sales. This compelled Kresge executives to change the name to “Kmart Corporation” in 1977. Further national and international growth led to Kmart to licensing agreements, acquisitions, sell-offs, and even mergers as the company struggled to compete with Walmart, Target, and other big-box stores. Eleventh-hour attempts to enhance its operations and technical capabilities resulted in the inevitable closure of thousands of stores and two separate bankruptcies. As of March 2022, there are just a handful of Kmart’s left in the U.S. and Caribbean, whose fate is yet to be determined as of this book’s publication. Still, despite the collapse of this commercial giant, the discounted products and services it brought to generations of consumers for more than 120 years, and the memories of shopping in one of America’s classic stores will forever be preserved in the hearts and minds of those who frequented, and worked at, Kresge’s and Kmart. From its initial “five-and-dime” offerings to the lunch counters and submarine sandwiches, the “Bluelight Specials”, the economical yet traditional departments, and the employees and managers who made Kresge’s and Kmart an engaging and cost-saving experience. Along with the thoroughly researched historical and financial account of the company covering more than 150 years, this book also includes historic news articles, human interest stories, countless photos, and newsprint advertising of the past. Finally, the book provides the personal narratives and memories of both customers and employees who shopped and worked at Kmart and Kresge’s, and whose contributions as consumers and laborers made the company one of the most successful in the world. At 300 pages and 270 photos and graphics, this book is sure to entertain as it brings back decades of great memories! Read more