Closing time: Kmart shuttering Longview store

​​LONGVIEW - "The Kmart store at 1100 McCann in Longview will close to the public in mid-March. Until then, the store will remain open for customers," said Howard Riefs, spokesman for Sears Holdings, corporate parent of Sears and Kmart stores.

Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) board President Peggy Vaughan said that, while she hates to lose Kmart as a local retailer, the vacancy also provides a high-traffic opportunity for another company.

Vaughan said the size of the building combined with its proximity to Spur 63 and SH 31 should make it attractive.

"There’s been previous interest in this space from other retailers who knew Kmart has had a lease there for some time," she said.

"So we expect significant interest, especially from retailers either looking to expand into a larger venue, or those relocating into the Longview area," she said.

The store has 58 employees, most of whom are part time and hourly. Riefs said some staffers will receive severance "and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores."​