WLOS: Kmart on Tunnel Road to close in January

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Shared by WLOS reporter Russ Bowen today at 3:15 p.m.:

One year ago, Kmart and Sears announced it was planning to close dozens of underperforming stores. One parent company owns both.

The Kmart closure on Tunnel Road will also require Crossfit Asheville to move. Crossfit Asheville leases space from Kmart for its gym. No word yet on a new location for the Crossfit crew.

More from another Bowen Tweet:

For those asking Kmart on Tunnel Rd opened in 1975. Close-out sale underway for closing. Word is new development possible #avlnews

From the Citizen-Times:

The closing will affect 53 workers. Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and can apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores, said Chris Brathwaite, a spokesman for Sears Holding in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Sears Holding owns 4,000 Sears and Kmart stores nationwide.

“These decisions are never easy, because Kmart appreciates being a long-time member of the community,” Brathwaite said. “However, we made a business decision to not renew the lease at this location.”

Read the full article here.

From WLOS.com:

The store opened in 1975 and was the anchor store of the shopping center for 37 years. Signs on the doors show it’s taking no new layaways and the pharmacy is closing December 12th. Shoppers living nearby say parking was always available close to the building and the store’s check-out was quick and easy.

Kmart officials say they decided not to renew the lease. They’re offering job openings at Sears and Kmart stores to the 53 workers at the Tunnel Road location. They plan to move out of the building in late January.

 Read the full WLOS.com article here.

6 Comments

Jeff November 25, 2012 - 11:14 pm

the comment about the 53 employees getting jobs is a crock. it says they can “apply for openings” yeah, and when they close in January, the other Kmarts in Asheville will obviously NOT have any openings because it’s after the holidays, and all retail establishments cut costs after the holidays

Anonymous Joe November 16, 2012 - 11:43 am

Anonymous Bob, I too have also heard the Whole Foods rumor.

Anonymous Bob November 15, 2012 - 6:22 pm

Rumor is that a new Whole Foods is looking at that location

Jennifer Saylor November 14, 2012 - 5:41 pm

There is so much unused warehouse space in town. I see that Crossfit Pisgah has a warehouse in the RAD now. Here’s hoping Crossfit Avl finds a good home, fast.

Russ Bowen November 14, 2012 - 5:22 pm

Kmart opened in that location in 1975.

Jennifer Saylor November 14, 2012 - 5:27 pm

Thanks, Russell.

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