Before there was Tar-Jay, ruled the roost in discount superstore shopping all over the U.S. But here in the Pascack Valley, it still does. Locals from the Westwood and Washington Township region continuously flock to the Broadway location for the latest weekly deals for the whole family. It’s a part of the neighborhood that we’ve come to count on year after year.
The average Kmart store carries between 60,000 and 80,000 SKUs and averages between 80,000 and 110,000 square feet in size. The first location opened in Garden City, Michigan in March 1962. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, it was best known for its “Blue Light Specials” that occurred at surprise moments when a store worker would light up a mobile police light and offer a discount in a specific department of the store. And who can forget the Kmart cafe with Icees and hot dogs? At the height of Kmart's popularity, the popular catchphase "attention Kmart shoppers" became a part of American lingo, appearing in movies such as “Troop Beverly Hills” and “Beetlejuice.”
Right now, it’s trying to tap the social network with a Facebook page stating, “We're a lovable, frugal, genuine brand who wants to get to know you... we're not your grandmother's Kmart anymore...!” And, of course, it’s been mentioned on a bunch of times this year.
Dollars and Sense rounded up the top five finds at Kmart that you should check out at your next shopping excursion:
- Kids Clothing – With brands like Miniwear and Wonderkids, parents can stock up on trendy gear for the wee ones, toddler and beyond, for a fraction of boutique prices. Think colorful basics such as solid T-shirts to denim shorts to unique styles like camouflage military pants, rainbow-striped polos, graphic-emblazoned tops and even an extensive array of sports-related clothing (Go Yanks!)
- Party Supplies – From Dora piñatas to themed paper goods like plates, cups and goodie-bag fodders, hosts and hostesses can do a one-stop shop for their latest occasion.
- Fashion Accessories – "Hats off" to this bountiful department. Wintertime berets, mittens and more give way to warmer weather finds like straw fedoras, studded military caps, logo tote bags, bright-hued plastic digital watches, flip flops and more – all capturing the latest must-have styles from brands like Joe Boxer and Bongo.
- Bedding and Bath – Big names like Martha Stewart have expanded to include Jaclyn Smith Today, Country Living, Essential Home and more. Rivaling the big bath and home stores, shoppers can find quality cotton bath towels, breezy window sheers and well-stitched quilts for affordable prices.
- Electronics and Office Supplies – Kmart keeps up with the biggest and brightest technology with the latest gears and gadgets. This department features everything from iPods to laptops to HDTVs. You can even pay with layaway!
Don’t forget to check out the store's weekly circular for unique steals and deals as well.
