Prince Frederick, MD – A recent announcement by Sears Holdings that more than 100 of its stores would be closing during March and April is having a small impact on the retailers’ Maryland locations. Statewide, only two of the parent company’s stores—both Kmarts, located in Crofton and Salisbury—are scheduled to shutter its doors in April.
Those locations being spared from the retailer’s ax include the Sears Hometown Store in Prince Frederick and the Sears stores in Waldorf (St. Charles Towne Center), Annapolis (Westfield Mall) and Bowie (Town Center); Kmart in Prince Frederick (Fox Run), Clinton and Edgewater.
In all, Sears will close 64 Kmarts and 39 Sears locations beginning in early March.
“We will continue to close some unprofitable stores as we transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members,” company officials stated in a press release. What Sears Holdings will not say is how many of its employees will be impacted by the closings. However, corporate officials have indicated eligible associates will receive severance. They will also be given an opportunity to apply for open positions at the stores that are not closed. A majority of the jobs at the retail stores are part-time.
This is Sears Holdings second mass closure since 2015. The iconic retailer has its origins in Minnesota during the late 19th century. Kresge Company opening the first Kmart in 1962 in Michigan. The two retailers became Sears Holdings in 2004.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com