Kmart (sometimes stylized as K mart or kmart) is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States. The chain purchased Sears for $11 billion in 2005, forming a new corporation under the name Sears Holdings Corporation. The company was founded in 1962 and is the third largest discount store chain in the world, behind Walmart and Target, with stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam (which houses the world's largest Kmart). It also used to operate stores in Canada, Mexico, and Eastern Europe. As of February 13, 2016, the company operated a total of 962 Kmart stores. In 2013 it had operated 1,221 in 49 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including 1,196 discount stores, averaging 94,000 sq ft (8,700 m2), and 25 Super Centers, averaging 168,000 sq ft (15,600 m2).
Kmart became known for its "Blue Light Specials" and K car sales. They occurred at surprise moments when a store worker would light up a mobile police light and offer a discount in a specific department of the store, while announcing the discounted special over the store's public address system. At the height of Kmart's popularity, the phrase "Attention Kmart shoppers!" entered into the American pop psyche, appearing in films and other media such as Troop Beverly Hills, Six Days Seven Nights, Rain Man, Beetlejuice, Madea Goes to Jail and Dawn of the Dead.
Kmart Australia Limited is an Australian chain of discount stores (low-price stores), owned by Wesfarmers. It operates 189 stores in Australia and 18 in New Zealand, with its head office located in Mulgrave, Melbourne. Kmart Australia is part of the original Coles MYER group, which originated and was based in Melbourne.
Kmart Australia Limited was born out of a joint venture between G.J Coles & Coy Limited (Coles) and S.S. Kresge Company in the United States, with Kresge owning 51% of the common stock in the company. They began to develop Kmart stores in Australia in 1968.
The first store opened in Burwood East, Victoria, in April 1969 and second store in Galleria Shopping Centre Morley, Western Australia with over 40,000 people passing through the checkouts on the first day. The doors had been closed 45 minutes after opening as a safety measure.
In 1978 Kresge exchanged its 51% stake in Kmart Australia for a 20% stake in Coles. In 1994 Coles bought back all shares held by Kresge.
Sears Holdings Corporation is an American holding company headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. It is the owner of retail store brands Sears and Kmart, and was founded after the latter purchased the former in 2005. Sears Holdings owns the brands Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard. Sears Holdings operates 1,725 retail locations under the mastheads of Sears, Kmart, and their subsidiaries, such as auto centers and pharmacies. Since 2013, the company is the 13th largest retailer by annual revenue in the United States behind Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Target, Walgreens, The Home Depot, CVS Caremark, Lowe's and Best Buy.
On November 17, 2004, Kmart Holdings Corporation announced its intention to purchase Sears, Roebuck and Co. The new corporation announced that it would continue to operate stores under both the Sears and Kmart brands. The merger of Kmart and Sears closed on March 24, 2005, following affirmative shareholder votes of both companies. Sears Holdings now operates Sears and Kmart stores. The company continues to market products under brands held by both companies.
Camerado, see that cloud across the sun
There ain't too many places left to run
There was a time when we'd go anywhere the wind would blow
Camerado
Camerado, they are fencing off the plains
I hate to hear the whistle of the train
The next thing you know they want your pistol and your tobacco
Camerado
Got a piece of a '44 on fire in my chest
Out here on the mesa I will rest
If you can hand me down that whiskey from my saddle bag
Camerado
Now the light is dying in the sky
That ain't gonna bother you or I
Seen enough to die, almost know all that there is to know
Camerado
Now you had best lie down and ride
There's pretty women on the other side
??? you'll be free as air in Mexico
Camerado