Soon to Be Former Kmart #3047

In addition to last month's closing Kmart post, we too will feature another closing location in northeastern Pennsylvania. Dickson City, which is located just outside of Scranton. 

Because of the hilly terrain in this area, this Kmart was built on a hillside. This leads to some great views of the valley below:

One thing that is unique to this store is the fact that a wall was put up around what was likely the former cafeteria. Most stores of this age would of just turned the space into more sales floor, but not here. Also worth noting is that Layaway is on the side of the store which would usually be in the back of the store.

As you can see, this store did manage to get mannequins. 

Former cafe area was turned into team sports and and an expanded girls dept.

Here you can see what was likely the former cafeteria

Rating: 6 out of 10. While the store was well-stocked and kept clean, it ultimately likely didn't make it likely due to a lack of customers and visibility issues from the main road. Lease issues always play a role too.

In Danger of Closing? Obviously, as it is going through its liquidation sale as we speak. When I visited this store, I could tell it was definitely the weakest of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area stores. Combine that with the fact that its lease is up, a closing announcement was no shocker to me.

Wellsburg, WV Dollar General Market

NOTE: This post highlights a sight not found within the blog's coverage area.

As part of my vacation trip south this year, I focused in on some interesting finds in the panhandle of West Virginia. One such find was this Dollar General Market in Wellsburg, WV. Perhaps the market design is more common in other areas of the country, but as far as I know no such design exists in the blog's coverage area. I took the opportunity to stop in and get an experience of what the store is like. 

Produce & Ice Cream 

This store seemed to be doing pretty well which makes sense as the nearest Walmart is at least around 10 miles or so away. Kroger does have a location down the road, but likely lacks a selection of general merchandise due to its smaller size. The convenience of having all the items that Dollar General normally sells with the added bonus of extra market items would easily put a hurting a Walmart.