Former Kmart #4229

This post comes from Ohio.

While out in the Warren/Youngstown, OH area to capture the last Super Kmart, I also decided to venture into what was is now also a former Kmart in Austintown. Unlike the supercenter, this store actually closed in an earlier wave with its final month being January 2018. This was an overall average store, though the exterior was noticeably quite dated looking like it hadn't seen a change since this location opened. The store had a pharmacy but no evidence of it ever having a KCafe. Anyways, enjoy the store tour!

Dunkirk's JCPenney Liquidation

Sadly, this location was among 130 JCPenney stores that closed last year. I knew I had to visit this location as it was a vintage location in a shopping center. I completely understand why it closed since it couldn't of been much bigger then 20,000 sq. ft. and even that may be a high estimate on the store's size. And while JCP officially used lack of profit as the reason for closing these stores, I suspect a good number of stores closed because of small sizes. JCPenney smartly seems to be trying to move away from relying solely on clothing and these small stores made it impossible for them to add in their money makers such as Sephora, or add other new concepts such as appliances and a proper toys department. 

This particular location was really interesting overall as it appeared to focus primarily on clothing and shoes with a few select items from other departments. I visited in its final weeks.

Viewmont Mall

Welcome to the Viewmont Mall located in Dickson City, PA, which is just outside of Scranton. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region has three malls and this is the one that appears to be doing the best. 

The mall opened in 1968 with JCPenney, Sears and Macy's as it anchors. The only change in the lineup is that Sears closed in late 2015 or early 2016 and was replaced by Dick's Sporting Goods, Field & Stream and Homegoods. The mall also has junior anchors such as Ulta Beauty and Forever 21. The pictures I took come from 2015 while Sears was still present at the mall.

Interior: