Kmart employees learn Bemidji store will be closing

BEMIDJI - The Kmart store in Bemidji received word it will be closing, store manager Tim Hayen confirmed Wednesday morning.

Hayen said he was informed of the closing on Tuesday, and has talked with store employees to let them know.

He is uncertain when the store's last day will be or whether other stores within the retail chain will be closed.

Kmart, 1201 Paul Bunyan Drive NW, employs 50-60 employees, most of whom are part-time.

"I'm still trying to grasp all of this," said Hayen, adding employees also were surprised by the news. "I'm in the infancy of all of this. I'm still getting information."

He also said the store was an above average performer and referred additional questions to Sears Holding Co., the parent company of Kmart.

A corporate spokesperson for Sears Holding was not immediately available.