The pending closure of the Shawano Kmart store in July has prompted concern about the fate of the dozens of employees who will be out of work in a few months and questions about what will happen to the site once its vacated.
The store at 1211 E. Green Bay St. will begin its liquidation sale on May 4 and will close its doors in mid-July, according to officials of Sears Holdings, the parent company of Kmart.
Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. (SCEPI), addressed the issue at Tuesday’s Common Council meeting.
“The mayor contacted me to have a discussion about what does this mean to us and what are our next steps,” he said.
Heling said he has been in touch with the Shawano Job Center to see what assistance can be provided to the employees, including possible benefits and job training that might be available.
Sears Holding said the Shawano Kmart employs 55 people.
Heling said SCEPI would put out the word about the site once it becomes available, but, he said, attracting a new business into that location is more complicated than simply soliciting potential retail chains.
“In today’s business world it’s more than my just knocking on a business door,” he said.
Heling said companies contract with site selectors that are often scoping out prospective locations under the radar to maintain confidentiality.
“Many times we don’t even know that a firm is out in our community looking, and many times we don’t know ‘till the day they make the announcement,” he said.
At some point, however, a site selector or the company would probably make contact to get information on such things as demographics and community statistics, Heling said.
Heling said SCEPI is continually seeking new ways to promote the community and attract new business.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to market the community, put our best foot forward and help people understand what’s in the community,” he said.
Mayor Lorna Marquardt said she has gotten a number of calls from Shawano residents who have given their opinions on what they’d like to see move into the Kmart space.
Some of the stores mentioned, she said, include Kohl’s, Target, Fleet Farm and T.J. Maxx.
“It would be great if we could make some communication and invite them to come to our community,” she said.