Kmart Closing Monticello Location

There will be no more "Blue Light Specials" in Monticello.

The exurb about 10 miles west of St. Michael will shutter its Kmart store soon, though an exact timetable hasn't been given.

According to an article in the Monticello Times last Thursday, the store is one of two Minnesota locations that will close this spring, joining the Kmart in New Ulm.

Once one of the nation's largest retailers, Kmart was purchased by Sears Holdings last decade, and the two have floundered together in a business climate that embraces Target and Walmart ahead of the former giant.

Stores in White Bear Lake, New Hope, Duluth and WIlmar have also closed in recent months. It appeared Monticello's location, in a shopping center with Cub Foods, Radio Shack and a Hallmark location, would escape. But the comapny said it's moving forward with anoather closing.

Sears has told media outlets the typical store emlpoys 40 to 80 workers.