This article is about for the discount store chain that has operated since 1962. For the parent company of both Kresge's and Kmart founded in 1899, see Kmart Corporation. For their predecessor, which existed from 1899 until 1987, see Kresge's.
The K mart chain of discount department stores was announced by the S. S. Kresge Co. in October 1961. The first K mart store (originally to be a Kresge's outlet until late in the planning process) opened in San Fernando, California on January 25, 1962. The first full-sized store would open in Garden City, Michigan on March 1, 1962.
The standalone "K" would be used as a border pattern in advertising until 1969.
1963–1969[]
This logo was also used in Canada. It would continue to be used on the seal of quality on Kmart's store-branded products until the late 1970s.
1963–1966[]
1966–1969[]
1969–1990[]
This logo first appeared on February 1, 1969, but was not fully rolled out until July.
September 12, 1990 (unveiling) December 16, 1990 (first use)
This logo was seen at many older Kmart stores until 2024, and on Kmart Express until 2017. On January 22, 2002, Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed around 500 stores.
This logo was only used at five prototype locations: four in the Peoria, Illinois area (Peoria, Pekin, Morton, and Washington) and one in White Lake, Michigan. The city name would be displayed alongside or under this logo, and the colors were changed to grey and lime. Since this was a test logo, it didn't spread beyond those stores.
This logo was officially discontinued with the closure of the Morton Kmart in 2016.
2004–present[]
Designer:
G2 Branding & Design
Typography:
Zurich Std Black Extended
Launched:
July 25, 2004
After emerging from their bankruptcy two years prior, Kmart would rebrand in July 2004, with some Big and Super Kmart stores gradually rebranding to simply 'Kmart' whilst keeping their floor plans. In November, Kmart's parent company, Kmart Corporation, would acquire Sears, Roebuck and Co. to become Sears Holdings. This logo was not used on any new builds, as the last newly constructed Kmart in Somers Point, New Jersey was built in 2002, shortly before its bankruptcy - although it was used when Kmart reverted some of their stores from Sears Essentials and Sears Grand.
On October 15, 2018, Sears Holdings, Kmart's parent company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, making it Kmart's second bankruptcy filing. All of Sears Holdings' assets, including Kmart and its subsidiaries, were transferred to Transformco.
On October 20, 2024, the last remaining full-sized department store in Bridgehampton, New York, closed its doors. However, smaller stores are still operating, with one in Miami, Florida, three locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and another in Tamuning, Guam.
