(Medina) - A piece of retail history is coming down in Medina, to be replaced with another retailer. Medina's former Super Kmart store is coming down, to be replaced with a Meijer store.
The first Super Kmart in the country opened July 25, 1991, on North Court Street in Medina. City officials say that in its prime, the Super Kmart was a shopper's mecca. However, that store closed 20 years later. Kmart filed for bankruptcy in 2002. The company became more solvent in 2004 and bought Sears. However, that merger wasn't as successful as hoped, and eventually all Sears and Kmart stores were closed. The Medina store closed in early 2012.
The building has sat vacant since then, was condemned by the city of Medina, and was cited for building code violations. Eventually, Meijer showed an interest in the property north of downtown Medina.
In a written statement, Medina mayor Dennis Hanwell said "The City of Medina is pleased and thankful to see the demolition of the old Kmart began today (Thursday, March 21). This has been an eyesore in our community for over a decade, and we look forward to the new building and parking lot that the Meijer store is investing in our community."
This will be Meijer's second location in Medina County, the first being in Brunswick.
Copyright 2024, iHeartMedia
Listen to WTAM for news at the top and bottom of the hour