Kmart store in Goleta will close October 2018

The Kmart store located at 6865 Hollister Avenue in Goleta will be closing its doors coming this October.

Employees were made aware of the closure Thursday morning at a meeting with the district manager, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

The decision comes as the Goleta Design Review Board will have a public meeting to go over the proposed Target conceptual designs at the 6865 Hollister location on July 24, 2018. It also includes other changes to the shopping center that has small restaurants, an international market, cleaners and a smoke shop. For more information click here.

The Goleta Kmart store for long has been one of the most profitable for the chain due to its proximity to UC Santa Barbara and Isla Vista. It’s been an affordable option for college students looking to purchase everyday essentials at a good price.

“Well, that’s a bummer. I usually come here to get college essentials and cheap things so that’s too bad,” said Austin Schein, a UCSB student from Isla Vista. He had just purchased a coffee machine and was heading back to his studies.

Some customers said they would drive to Ventura County for a shopping trip to Target and Walmart specifically.

Not everyone who shops here said it was going to be a big change in prices if and when Target opens.

“Sometimes I think they have better deals than they do at Target it just depends on what you are looking for,” said Christine Osani. “I found it to be almost the same”

A Kmart spokesperson said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to streamline the Company’s operations and focus on our best stores, the company on Thursday, July 12 informed associates at the Kmart store in Goleta that it would be closing in mid-October 2018. Liquidation sales will begin as early as July 26. The number of associates is not available. Eligible associates impacted by the store closure will receive severance and will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Kmart or Sears stores.”