Kmart opened its first store in Garden City, Michigan, in 1962, helping launch the modern U.S. discount-store chain.
The store was part of the expansion of Kresge, a retail company that had traditionally operated variety stores. Kresge developed Kmart as a larger-format discount business offering broad product ranges at low prices. The first location opened on January 25, 1962.
Kmart grew rapidly during the second half of the 20th century and became one of the best-known discount retailers in the United States. Its blue-light special promotions became a distinctive part of the brand’s identity, directing shoppers to temporary deals in particular departments.
Kmart is often confused with Target because both expanded nationally during the same era. Target also opened its first store in 1962, but its original location was in Roseville, Minnesota, not Garden City, Michigan.