Beavercreek Kmart - December 22

This is a quick video I took of the front and how busy it was at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday two days before Christmas.

 

Three days before Christmas, and the shopping is in full swing. As I got my own shopping done, I saw lines of at least three people each at ALL six checkouts and the customer service desk!

 

I did not hear any Pentatonix songs yet again, but I enjoyed more favorites including "Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24" by Trans Siberian Orchestra, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams, and "Christmas In the Sand" by Colbie Caillat.

 

It's encouraging to me that Kmart still gets at least some attention at Christmas (at least locally), even if it often pales in comparison to other area stores and businesses. Whether it is encouraging enough or not to fellow shoppers, the fact that this store has made it this far (along with the others in Eaton, Englewood, Springboro and Riverside) matters more in my opinion. We may not (and a lot of us do not) know why or how they are still here, but they ARE here. No matter how uncertain the future is for Kmart and Sears, I believe the most important thing is that their stores are still here NOW, and we should still enjoy and experience whatever they have to offer NOW and not worry too much about the future or how much longer these stores will remain in business. Sure, we must not let ourselves forget the predicament SHC faces, but we mustn't let it get in the way of a good store visit either.

 

That is why I am optimistic about my local Kmart stores. Not only is it because I am loyal to them and thankful that they've made it this far, it is also because I ENJOY them and every other location I visit and make the most of whatever time I spend there, no matter the impending situation. Yes, I am well aware of their uncertain future and their doubtful chances of surviving long-term. But I know that years from now, long after Kmart #3407 closes its doors for the last time, I'm going to look back on these amazing memories made there and smile, thinking "Those were great times!"

 

I always enjoy seeing my friends who work at Kmart (whom one day I plan to work alongside when I hopefully get a job there in the spring!). In fact, it has been the main reason for a number of my visits there. Other times, it would be looking for a good deal, eating a quick lunch at Little Caesars, or seeing if I could chase down a Blue Light Special (which so far I still have not witnessed one yet). My perspective on these visits is not just VISITING, but EXPERIENCING. After all, a brand that is a shadow of its former self still has at least one good thing to offer! :D

 

I knew I had to get this out sooner or later, just to offer a window into what I think about the whole overall Kmart situation. No, it's not a rant by any means; it is just the opinion and local perspective of a loyal shopper.

 

Bottom line: Don't take your local Kmart for granted. Be thankful that it's still there, in business, at least for the time being. Make friends with whoever you see there frequently, and enjoy whatever that store has to offer (especially if it has a cafe!). And while you fellow Flickr users are there (or at any location for that matter) snapping photos, just take a moment, look around, soak everything in (mentally, of course) and savor the moment of actually being there in person - not everyone gets a chance to experience that same store, after all!

It may be hard for some of you to do, but it is very well possible. :)

 

Merry Christmas, everyone! Sorry this batch of pics is a bit late.

 

Kmart #3407 - 4480 Indian Ripple Rd - Beavercreek Township, Ohio

MY local Kmart! (along with #4179 in Riverside)

Done