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I started working when I was 15 years old. My first job was a busboy at the Warminster Diner on Street Road. Later, I got a job at a privately owned pharmacy working behind the counter and delivering prescriptions to customers in the local area. It was during that time I learned how to drive a manual transmission because I had to use the pharmacy owners' yellow Volkswagen Beetle to delivery the prescriptions.

My third job (which is when I started my career in retail) was working as a checkout cashier in a brand new Kmart not far from my house. At that time, I was the only male cashier. Before the store opened, I clearly recall going through the training process on all the procedures that cashiers were responsible for at the checkout. Within a few months after the opening, I was offered a promotion working in the back office. However, I turned the offer down because I didn't want to work in an office, I preferred working on the floor; interacting with the customers.

Today I would like to share some Kmart history. Many of these photographs date back to around the time I worked for Kmart (1970). Some of them date back even further than that. And at the end of this post, I will be sharing an old photograph of me as a Kmart cashier, plus a photo of the actual Kmart store in which I worked.

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History

In 1962, retail pioneer Harry Cunningham, president of S.S. Kresge’s Co. at that time, drove retail into the large-scale discount market with the construction of the first full sized Kmart store in Garden City, Michigan.


-Kmart cashiers-
It's funny because I clearly remember those white boxes with the aisle number printed on them above each cash register. They had a lightbulb inside the box that would light up when you turned on the switch, which signaled that your register was open. They would also blink whenever you needed a price check. 


-Kmart Grill staff-
They appear so spotlessly clean in those white uniforms that they almost look like hospital staff (seven nurses and one orderly), don't they?


-Kmart Grill-
Notice the prices on the wall. Only 73 cents for a turkey sandwich. Hell, today a turkey sandwich would cost you $15.00 + tip!

 
The only thing I didn't like about Kmart were the overhead fluorescent lightbulbs. I'm sorry, but fluorescent lighting should be outlawed because is the harshest and most UN-flattering light known to man. It makes everyone look like a CORPSE. The only place florescent lighting should be acceptable is in a parking garage or a funeral home. 


The first time I spotted the Kmart Cosmetic Bar in our store, I immediately knew that one day I would be behind the counter selling makeup and skincare. It's funny how when you look back over your life you notice how each step you took, led to the next step.


In 1965 the Blue Light Special was introduced to advertise items on sale -- "Attention Kmart Shoppers!" I remember when they first allowed me to make the Blue Light Special announcements over the intercom system. I was very excited, but also extremely nervous. Blue Light Special's were my first shot at show business. LOL!


This next photo reminded me of my many years working in a department store and watching the regional managers get together and do what's called, "a walk-through", which entailed walking through the entire store, making sure everything was up to par. 


-More cashiers-
Back then there were no scanning devices, so you had to manually enter the price of each item into the register using the keys. You also had to figure out how much change the customer received from the amount they gave you, and then vocally count it back to them.


By 1976, S.S. Kresge made history by opening 271 Kmart stores in one year.  It became the first-ever retailer to launch 17 million square feet of sales space in a single year.


$3.88 for a blouse?!?!? It's no wonder those customers were grabbing them off the racks. You GO, girls!


-Kmart Film Camera Shop-


Kmart sales peaked in 1992, and slowly declined due to competition with Walmart and Target. Even with star power from Martha Stewart, it was not enough and sales never recovered. By 2002, Kmart had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and in 2003, 326 stores closed. As of June 30, 2021, there are only 40 Kmart locations remaining in the United States.


Okay, so this is a photograph of the Kmart in which I worked, located on York Road in Warminster. I found the photo online (photo credit), can you believe that? The store closed in 2013 and is now vacant. When I look at this photo, I smile and think to myself, "This is where my retail experience all started, over 50 years ago!"

Memories
Light the corners of my mind...


And this me with my manager, who I can't remember her name, but I LOVED her! Not only was she a sweetheart, but she was always so supportive and encouraging. Notice my tie. Do you think it could be any WIDER?! It looks like I'm wearing a surfboard hanging off my neck. 


Wishing you a blue light special day, everyone! 💗



*Note: Historical information and most of these photos were found on the outstanding YouTube channel: Recollection Road

32 comments:

  1. Oh Ron, this post was so much fun to read! I love all the old photographs. And that one of you at the end is adorable! We used to have a Kmart where I live but it closed several years ago. I used to enjoy shopping in their garden department. They had such great stuff. How great that you found a photograph of the Kmart you worked.

    "The only place florescent lighting should be acceptable is in a parking garage or a funeral home." That was hysterical! And I agree, florescent lighting is the worst. I used to work in an office that had florescent lighting.

    Entertaining post, Ron! Thanks x

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  2. Incredible Ron
    I enjoyed the trip back in time. I personally liked K Mart better than all discount stores. And just 2 (maybe 3)years ago the K Mart in Portland (Texas) finally closed its doors for good.

    I bet hardly anyone can drive a "stick shift" auto anymore. I learned to drive with one ...avoided hills. Lol

    Enjoyed this immensely.

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  3. I don't think we ever had a KMart in NYC, I remember Kresge's - an alternative to Woolworth's(?) but then NYC is/was the discount shopping mecca of the universe - We had John's Bargain Stores (amongst others) and the Lower East Side and "it fell off a truck" LOL

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  4. What a fun trip down memory lane! $2.97 for a phone!! I do still have a landline so maybe Conair can get me a Blue Light Special before all of them close for good. Sad.
    We had a few local KMart's and shopped in them for years. Now Walmart is everywhere. They certainly don't have the same amount of cashiers. I go there only very occasionally, and never enjoy it.
    How cool is it that you knew wayyy back when that you'd be learning about makeup/skincare and helping customers make the right purchases throughout many years.
    Love the photo of you and your manager. Awesome that you still have that.

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  5. Hey there AnnI

    Me too, I really like Kmart better than all discount stores. Maybe that's because I worked at one, but I liked that they always seemed to moved forward with the times and had things like, Martha Stewart products. And yes, the one here in Philly finally closed it's doors about 4-5 years ago. It's now a Burlington Coat factory.

    "I bet hardly anyone can drive a "stick shift" auto anymore. I learned to drive with one ...avoided hills. Lol"

    OMG....it's soooooooooo funny that mentioned "avoided hills" because I clearly remember stopping for a red light in the Beetle when I first started to learn how to "stick shift" on a hill and almost rolling back on the car behind me. LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have an AWESOME rest of your week!
    X

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  6. " I remember Kresge's - an alternative to Woolworth's(?)"

    Yes, Grace, you are right about that - an alternative to Woolworth's! OMG...I remember the store " Alexander’s Department Store" that was on Lexington Ave and I think (59th street?) close to Bloomingdale's. I LOVED that store because it was a discount store that had a GREAT selection of goods.

    I had to google John's Bargain Store and the Lower East Side because I had never heard of them. I had no idea those stores even existed in NYC?!?

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're having a faaaaaaaaaaabulous time with your family!

    X

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  7. I know, Mary, can you freaking believe that....$2.97 for a phone!?!?!?! And I also love the camera for $35.00 !?!?

    "We had a few local KMart's and shopped in them for years. Now Walmart is everywhere. They certainly don't have the same amount of cashiers. I go there only very occasionally, and never enjoy it."

    Yes, same here! The store here NEVER have cashiers at the registers, so you have wait. Also, most of the time they're to busy TEXTING on their phones AT WORK and don't want to be bothered. HA!

    I am so happy that still have that photograph because years ago when I was going to move back to NYC, I got rid of a lot of photographs because I had way too many.

    I always sense (even as a kid) that I would one day be working in the cosmetic industry behind the counter.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you're having great week! I saw that this weekend the weather is supposed to be much milder than it's been lately. Thank GOD!

    X

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  8. Hey there Candice!

    I love old photos too! And I am so happy that I still had that photograph. I have a box that I keep my old photos in, but several years ago I tossed a lot because I had way too many. I found that photo of the Kmart I worked in when I googled the name and street. I couldn't believe I found it!!!

    Meeeeeeeeeeeee too! I LOVED the garden department at Kmart! I also loved their Home Dept. They even sold washers and dryer's!

    Isn't florescent lighting the worst? Yes, many offices used to have that kind of lighting. UGH!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome week!

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  9. Ron, that first photo of the cashiers shows you how much times have changed. They are all dressed so professionally and look ready-to-work. A lot like current times. LOL! And you're spot on, the grill staff do look like hospital staff!

    I remember those Blue Light Specials in a Kmart that used to by my apartment. The stored closed about two years ago, but they were still doing those announcements til the end. I worked in retail briefly while in college and I remember when registers were like you described. You had to figure out the change and count it back. Nowadays, no one know HOW to give change because the register does it for you.

    Really enjoyed this post, Ron. Love you tie in that last photo. Classic 70's!

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  10. Dan, yes, I thought the same thing about that photo. They are all dressed so professionally. A lot like what you see today in stores. Today is hard to tell who is the customer and who is the worker. HA!

    Yup, Kmart did those Blue Light Specials until the end. That was their tradition that made Kmart, Kmart. The Kmart here in Philadelphia closed a while ago. I used to like going in to get things like, towels, sheets and pillow cases, because they had great deals!

    "You had to figure out the change and count it back. Nowadays, no one know HOW to give change because the register does it for you."

    You got that right!

    Yes, a 70's classic! And so were my pants. If you look closely you can see that they were PLAID. SO 70's!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Hope you're enjoying a fantastic week!

    X

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  11. What an enjoyable post, Ron. I did not remember about you getting your retail start at KMart. It was fun to see all of the pictures, so I googled the KMart I went to as a kid in Akron and ours opened in 1969. We went quite often. The only other choice at that time was Miracle Mart. Did you have those? Later on, when the KMart got rundown, we went to Gold Circle.

    After I got married and moved to Cleveland, there was a KMart I would go to that wasn’t too far away. It was poorly run with long lines (they only ever had 2 cashiers open) and I swear, a third of the shelves were always empty. But the funny thing was, they had a great selection of children’s shoes, so I took my kids there all the time because they constantly wore out or outgrew their shoes and KMart had great prices on tennis shoes. So, I appreciated that store! They finally closed their doors just a few years ago and recently, a Meijer’s rebuilt there. I’ve only gone twice and I find it to be just okay. Prices are not that great.

    Thanks for sharing your memories of working there. The Blue Light Special announcements always cracked us up when we were shopping! Funny that you got to do them.

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  12. Gosh, Ron, this post is such a trip!

    We get the history of Kmart and details about your brilliant career at the same time. Now that's what I call a Blue Light Special!

    It's amazing how these stores were once such a part of our lives and now they're almost gone. Your own experience at Kmart adds a lovely personal note to the story.

    I love these old black and white photos and the shot of you as a budding Kmartek-teer is awesome! Do you still have that tie?!? Btw, Superman called and he wants his cape back!

    Seriously, though, thank you so much for sharing this chapter of your life with us.

    And the next time I see you, I want you to recreate your Blue Light Special announcement--and I won't take "No" for an answer!

    Take care, buddy!

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  13. "I googled the KMart I went to as a kid in Akron and ours opened in 1969. We went quite often. The only other choice at that time was Miracle Mart. Did you have those? Later on, when the KMart got rundown, we went to Gold Circle."

    That's AWESOME! And no, I've heard of Miracle Mart or Gold Circle, however, I just googled them to see what they were like and they seemed very similar to Kmart!

    LOVED your story about going to the Cleveland Kmart! And you're right, I forgot about that, Kmart DID have a great selection of shoes. I used to get my dress shoes and Converse sneakers there. Thinking back, I can't remember what kind of discount they gave their employees or even the things I bought when I worked there. I only worked there for about a year, but I REALLY enjoyed it. I used to work weekends.

    I know, weren't the Blue Light Special announcements a HOOT? And they had such a crappy PA system that most of time your would hear STATIC. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a fantastic week! It's not as hot and humid here lately, so I'm enjoying it!

    X

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  14. This is great, Ron -- what a nice trip down Memory Lane! I remember my late grandma would come up here and take my sister and me to Kmart. We'd poke around every aisle and then grab lunch seated at the counter. They made the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches ... with a pickle slice on top!


    Ah, the Blue Light Special. Kind of like Black Friday, huh? Folks would RUSH to where the big sale was going on. And there was always a good deal to be had (like those $3 blouses -- can you imagine?!?)


    The last Kmart in my area closed a few years ago (and became a Hobby Lobby). I really miss Kmart towels -- they had Jacqueline Smith ones, which weren't terribly expensive and were thick and thirsty! Enjoy your week, my friend! xx

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  15. Oh Ron, what a fun, fun, fun post! I love hearing about your experiences in retail because as you know, I am a shopaholic. And not only that, but I worked retail (very briefly) when I was still living in New York. The photos your shared are priceless! And I always enjoy your commentary because you crack me up!

    I remember a Kmart where I lived, but only went there a few times. It wasn't until I moved to Florida did I start going a lot because there was one by my apartment. It was so convenient to run in when I needed something. I used to get my panty hose from there because it was cheaper. LOL!

    It's incredible that you found the picture of the store you worked online. I bet it feels very deja vu! And that photo of you with your lady manager is so damn cute! You look so handsome in your work clothes.

    Always enjoy your post, Ron. They are the highlight of my day when I'm at work. I love to read them at my desk.

    Have a great rest of your week! xo

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  16. Hola Denise!

    Yes!!!!! I know you're a shopaholic and love to buy beauty products, right? Wow, I didn't know you worked retail before. Very cool! I had so much fun picking these photographs, but it was so hard to choose just these because there were so many great ones. I love looking at vintage photos!

    Yup! Kmart did have good prices on panty hose because my mother would get hers there as well. And it's funny you mentioned panty hose because I remember in the women's department how they had a section just for panty hose. They were stocked like record albums by size.

    OMG, it felt VERY deja vu looking at that photograph. I even remember walking through those front doors on the days that I worked. And then I'd have to clock in using a time card that was punched. And I can still remember how that sounded!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for you sweet words, my friend. Hope you had a super day at work and a great rest of your week!

    X

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  17. Helloooooooooooo Debbie!

    OMG, thank you so much for sharing your Kmart story, I LOVED it! And yesiree, they had the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches. And not only the pickle, but sometimes I would order a bowl of tomato soup because grilled cheese sandwiches go so good with tomato soup!

    "Ah, the Blue Light Special. Kind of like Black Friday, huh? Folks would RUSH to where the big sale was going on. And there was always a good deal to be had (like those $3 blouses -- can you imagine?!?)"

    YES! YES! YES! Those Blue Light Specials were such a big deal, customers LOVED them. I know, can you believe the price of those blouses?!?!?

    I never heard of a Hobby Lobby, so I google it. WOW....that is a very nice store. I love all the home stuff they sell!

    Aaaaah yes, Jacqueline Smith products, I remember those! I think she even had a clothing line as well. And so did Martha Stewart!

    Our Philly Kmart close maybe 4-5 year ago. It was not that far from where I lived, so I enjoyed going there for home stuff (towels, shower curtain liners, sheets, pillow cases, and other odds and ends). I miss Kmart too!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Really enjoyed your Kmart stories! Have great rest of your week!

    X

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  18. Ron, this post was GREAT! As long as I've known you, I can't believe how much more I find out about you that I never knew! These black and white photos are just so damn cool. As I've shared with you before, I think I'm an old soul because I get so much joy looking at things from past generations. My girlfriend is the same way.

    I (we) both laughed our asses off at your reference to fluorescent lighting because it's so true. It's the worst possible lighting. And I would have loved to hear your Blue Light Special announcements. I bet they were outstanding! The picture of you at the end is a treasure. I have such an affinity for the 70's.

    Thank you for the trip down memory lane, dude. It ROCKED!

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  19. Hey there Rob!

    Aw...you are too kind! I had so much fun putting this post together. It was such a trip!

    I know, can you believe how much Kmart (and other stores) were such a part of our lives for so long, yet now they are almost all gone. Sad.

    "I love these old black and white photos and the shot of you as a budding Kmartek-teer is awesome! Do you still have that tie?!? Btw, Superman called and he wants his cape back!"

    HA! That cracked me up! But, no, I no longer have that tie. I should have kept it though because fashion always repeats itself, so you never know if those WIDE ties will come back.

    And it's so funny you mentioned the Blue Light Special announcements because they actually have a few on YouTube. They also have vintage Kmart commercials, which are hilarious!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And thanks again for emailing me about your comment. I really appreciate that! Have a great day!

    X

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  20. Hiya Matt!

    Aren't these vintage black and white photos FAB-U-LOUS? And me too, I am most definitely any old soul because I am very drawn to previous era's. When I was a kid (and even now), I was/am fascinated by the 30's and the 40's. LOVE them!

    Isn't florescent lighting the pits? And not only the lighting itself, but I can't stand the sound they make, it's like a light buzzing sound that you can hear, particularly if you're in a small space, like an office.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a fantabulous week!

    X

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  21. Drive in San Francisco with a clutch!! lol
    Anyway, I had to stop by again and mention that you like Halloween?!!! Awesome. I personally go "hog wild" with that decor, and begin decorating the house the 1st of October. This year it'll be MORE fun decorating with my witch collection and now the black tree!! Can't wait.
    Enjoy the day Ron.
    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  22. OMG, Anni...I can't even IMAGINE what it must have been like to drive in SF with clutch?!?!? I would have freaked. LOL!

    Yes....I ADORE Halloween! In fact, in all the years I've had this blog, I've posted many posts about Halloween. If you're interested, type halloween in the search bar on my sidebar, the posts should come up.

    "I personally go "hog wild" with that decor, and begin decorating the house the 1st of October. This year it'll be MORE fun decorating with my witch collection and now the black tree!! Can't wait."

    That's AWESOME! And I can't wait to read your posts this year!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping back. Enjoy your day too, Anni!

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  23. What a trip down memory lane, Ron, for yourself and many of us who remember K-Mart. There wasn't one nearby where my family shopped. While not a "regular" K-Mart shopper, I do recall being in a couple and, of course, the famous Blue Light Special is a BIG part of retail history.

    The go-to store for my family back then was a Two Guys on Rte 22, Watchung, NJ.
    Years later, other now long-gone department stores in my NJ neighborhood included Korvettes and Bradlees.

    Loved the photos in this post! The photo of the cashiers all lined up, cafeteria specials (especially those proices) and of course the Camera Shop (not a photo department) and seeing the now vintage equipment and flashbulbs too, oh my!

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  24. Hi there, D!

    "I do recall being in a couple and, of course, the famous Blue Light Special is a BIG part of retail history."


    Yup, you're right, it was a BIG part of retail history. I don't know of any other retailer that did that.

    OMG...I TOTALLY forgot about "Two Guys!!!" But as soon as you mentioned it, I remember seeing a few of them in PA. And of course, Korvettes! My older sister LOVED that store! But for some reason, I don't remember Bradlees.

    I know, can you believe that Camera Shop photo and that vintage equipment? And that was way before digital, so everything was FILM. I miss film in a way. In fact, I still have an Olympus film camera.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope you're enjoying a faaaaaaaabulous week! We finally got a break from the intense heat and humidity. Tomorrow I plan to spend most of the afternoon outside enjoying it. Have a super weekend!

    X

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  25. Blue Light Special's were my first shot at show business. LOLOL! I guess you're correct! I enjoyed this little stroll down memory lane. Your mention of having to figure out change and count it back touched off a pet peeve of mine. We live in a time now where very few people can actually count back change...much less figure it out without the register computer telling them what it is. Very sad. Enjoy your weekend. X

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  26. HA! I know, I just couldn't resist sharing that. And it a way, it was my first shot at show business!

    "Your mention of having to figure out change and count it back touched off a pet peeve of mine. We live in a time now where very few people can actually count back change...much less figure it out without the register computer telling them what it is."

    OH MY GOD....me too, Lisa! It blows me away how so many people can't do that without the register telling them what to do!?! I can't tell you how many times I gave a cashier one penny to round off 26 cents and they didn't even know what that meant? I had to explain that because I was giving them the penny, it brought it to 25 cents. And they STILL didn't know what I was talking about. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous Saturday and Sunday! The weather is gorgeous here, so I plan on spending the whole day outside; walking around and taking photos.

    X

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  27. Yes, Ron, the sound! I forgot about that, they do make a noise. Like a humming/buzzing sound, right?

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  28. Yes Matt! Exactly, it's combination of humming and buzzing! 👍

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  29. Ron, I wish I could find an Anne Klein blouse for $3.88. Do you think Kmart sold those? LOL! Fun post! And I like what you said about looking back over you life and seeing how each step you took, led to the next step because that's so true. I started early in my life working in the medical field just as a part time job, but always knew that it was a field I would end up making my career. I still love it.

    Cute picture of you and your manager!

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  30. Hi Clair!

    OMG..that was so FUNNY! However, I don't know if Kmart ever carried Anne Klein. Can you imagine though? That rack would be empty in less than one minute.

    "I started early in my life working in the medical field just as a part time job, but always knew that it was a field I would end up making my career. I still love it."

    That's AWESOME! Isn't it something how we get little "clues" as to what career roads we'll be traveling, even as a kid? Happy to hear that you still love it!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Hope your week is going well so far!

    X

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  31. Huh - KMart and I were born the same year! That was fun reading the history. I can remember those Blue Light Special Announcements and people running toward that flashing light!

    It really is interesting to look back and see the various steps in your career. It's all connected.

    And I LOVE that last photo! SO sweet!!

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  32. "Huh - KMart and I were born the same year!"

    OMG, how awesome is that? And yes, as soon as they would make those announcements, the people would FLOOD towards that flashing light!

    Yes, it certainly is. And viewing it in retrospect allows you to see how connected each step was.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Monday!

    X

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