Kmart was born as the S.S Kresge Company in 1899. The company was founded by Sebastian Spurling Kresge.

He started his career working with another giant retailer named John McCrory in Memphis, Tennessee.

However, after the partners went separate ways, Kresge became the store’s sole owner. Soon, he built several stores in eight cities between Chicago and Pittsburgh.

Kresge’s stores expanded steadily from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Then, in 1962, retail pioneer Harry Cunningham drove the retailer into the large-scale discount market with the construction of the first full-sized Kmart in Michigan.

Two Kmart locations had opened when the first Walmart store opened in Rogers, Arkansas. Harry Cunningham and Sam Walton, founders of Walmart, were inspired by Anne and Hope’s store based in Rhode Island.

In 1965, the “Blue light special” was introduced to advertise products on sale at Kmart.

“Attention Kmart Shoppers” became the announcement that was heard over the loudspeaker to alert the shoppers.

By 1976, S.S. Kresge made history by opening 271 stores in 1 year. It also became the first-ever retailer to launch 17 million square feet of sales space in a single year. In its successful days, Kmart sold products endorsed by various celebrities like Jaclyn Smith & Martha Stewart. In 1977, nearly 95 percent of the S.S Kresge sales were generated by Kmart stores, and soon it changed its name to Kmart Corporation to reflect this.

I remember those days of the iconic “Blue Light Special” at Kmart like it was yesterday. The excitement of hearing “Attention Kmart Shoppers” over the loudspeaker and rushing to see what amazing deals were being showcased under the blue light was a feeling like no other.

Kmart has a rich history, dating back to its roots as the S.S Kresge Company in 1899. Founder Sebastian Spurling Kresge built the company from the ground up, expanding steadily over the years. It wasn’t until 1962 when Harry Cunningham took Kmart into the large-scale discount market with the opening of the first full-sized Kmart store in Michigan.

The introduction of the “Blue Light Special” in 1965 became synonymous with Kmart and created a unique shopping experience for customers. The announcement over the loudspeaker would draw shoppers to the specially marked area where they could find incredible deals on a variety of products.

By 1976, Kmart had made history by opening 271 stores in just one year, solidifying its presence in the retail industry. The retailer’s success led to partnerships with celebrities like Jaclyn Smith and Martha Stewart, whose endorsed products became popular among shoppers.

In 1977, the company officially changed its name to Kmart Corporation, reflecting its focus on the successful discount retail chain. Nearly 95 percent of S.S. Kresge’s sales were generated by Kmart stores, highlighting the company’s dedication to providing affordable products to its customers.

The nostalgia of the “Blue Light Special” and the history of Kmart bring back memories of a time when shopping was more than just a transaction. It was an experience, filled with excitement and anticipation of finding great deals. Kmart may have evolved over the years, but its legacy of providing quality products at affordable prices lives on in the hearts of those who remember the days of the blue light shining bright.