Shoppers react to news of DuBois Kmart closure

DUBOIS - More than 100 Kmart and Sears stores across the nation are set to close this spring, including the Kmart store on Shaffer Road in DuBois.

Sears Holdings will close 108 Kmart stores and 42 Sears stores over the next few months.

The company noted that on Dec. 27, it had informed associates at 30 Kmart stores and 16 Sears stores that their stores would be closing. On Wednesday, the company announced an additional 78 Kmart stores and 26 Sears stores would also close.

"A lot of people shop here but for some reason they want to close it," shopper Bob Zerby said. "It always has several people inside. I'd like to see it stay open."

Kmart in DuBois is one of six to close in the state.

"Every week I come to DuBois and take my mother to breakfast and then she always wants to shop at Kmart," shopper Dan Hamaker said. "I'm very sad about the closing."

The company stated many of these stores have struggled financially for years, and were left open to maintain local jobs with hopes they would turn around.

Sears Holdings said it was a difficult but necessary step to strengthen operations and return profits.

"I've always liked Kmart," shopper Lonnie Schmoke said. "DuBois use to have Aimes and now it's gone. Kmart was the only place left where you could get decent prices."

Many shoppers said Kmart is their favorite store for its prices and bargains.

They called the closing a big loss to the community.

"We're feeling really bad about this, we don't want this Kmart to close," shopper Sally Wilson said.

Kmart is expected to close at the end of March.

The Sears store inside the DuBois Mall is not listed as one to close.

To see all the closures, click here.

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