Local

Freedom Drive Kmart to close in April

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Kmart store at 2701 Freedom Drive in Charlotte will close mid-April.

The store began its liquidation sale on Jan. 12. This store is being closed because the lease was not renewed.

A spokesman for the stores said the store closures are part of a series of actions the company is taking to reduce on-going expenses, adjust its asset base, and accelerate the transformation of its business model.

"These actions will better enable us to focus our investments on serving our customers and members through integrated retail - at the store, online and in the home," the spokesman said.

The store in Charlotte has 89 employees.

Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores.

The Sears store in Shelby will close to in mid-April. The store began its liquidation sale on Jan. 10. This store is being closed because the lease was not renewed. The store in Shelby has 56 employees. Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores.

The company’s website lists the closest Kmart to Charlotte in Pineville.