Retailer Closes Last U.S. Store: What New Jersey Should Do With Vacant Big-Box Stores

A once thriving retailer is closing its last U.S. store as several buildings continue to sit empty in New Jersey after shutting down many years ago.

Driving around New Jersey you can't help but notice several vacant buildings.

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As new businesses move into the state there are still constant reminders of all the businesses we've lost over the years.

Some buildings have been sitting empty for a very long time with no sign of any new businesses taking over that space, especially vacant big-box stores.

Read More: New Jersey Lumber & Hardware Store Open For Nearly 8 Decades Has Closed

This old Kmart has been sitting empty in Moorestown, Burlington County, across from the Moorestown Mall, on Route 38 for years.

The very last Kmart in New Jersey closed in 2023, according to reports, and now the only remaining Kmart in the U.S. is closing next month.

It's located in Bridgehampton, New York, on Long Island and it'll shut down on October 20th.

CNN reports how Kmart and Sears merged back in 2005, but that the merge was "disastrous" and the stores were "doomed."

The stores were also doomed by competition with more successful big box competitors such as Walmart and Target, which offered shoppers groceries as well as clothing, household goods and tools sold at Kmart and Sears, along with the growth of online shopping.

20 Outside-the-Box Uses for Vacant Big-Box Stores

When big stores like Kmart close towns are left with these huge empty buildings.

So what should be done with these vacant big-box stores?

Knock them down, build houses, or use the space for an indoor market?