Kmart is closing
The Annandale Kmart, 4251 John Marr Drive, is closing for good, employees were told Aug. 28. The last day is Nov. 18. Liquidation sales are anticipated.
An Aug. 24 announcement by Sears Holding, the owner of the Kmart chain, that 46 unprofitable Kmart and Sears stores will be closing in November does not list the Annandale Kmart. However, a company spokesperson confirmed that that store will be added to the list.
The company stated: “As part of our ongoing efforts to streamline Sears Holdings’ operations, strengthen our capital position, and focus on our best stores, this week the company informed associates at 46 unprofitable stores that we will be closing these stores in November 2018. We continue to evaluate our network of stores, which is a critical component to our integrated retail transformation and will make further adjustments as needed.”
I was in there two weeks ago and it was a sorry site. It looked like something out of the Soviet Union. Empty shelves, limited inventory and more empolyees than customers. Sad to see it go, I use to find allot of things in there, it was once to the place to shop. Now it will be part of history. So what will occuppy another vacant retail in Annandale: a Christmas Store, Halloween 2, another homeless shelter?
Just moved back northern va.i was wondering if there is going to be a Walmart there does anyone know
I too regret its closing. It was good for plants, small appliances and sweat socks. I'll bet won't be a homeless shelter but perhaps the world's largest nails salon.
Lol maybe an hmart
They need to put a walmart! Don't like going to the one way down richmondhwy. The kingstown one is decent but having one where kmart is ..walmart would be nice. ☺
A Walmart has a pretty important side effect. Every time a Walmart is open in a town, local business go bankrupt. I don't think anyone wants that to happen in Annandale.
Also, there is a 24 hour walmart in 29!
Harris Teeter or some new condos
Well, I do feel for the employees and the customers who shopped there, but frankly, it's an eyesore in the middle of a 12 acre area that needs revitalization. Maybe this will turn out better in the long run for all of us. This would be a perfect site for a Merrifield type retail & mixed use type of development we all hope for in Annandale.
I have been hoping for a makeover for that spot for years, but anyone who's been past that place during rush hour via either Columbia Pike or 236 knows a mixed-use development would be a TERRIBLE idea. Merrifield has the beltway, route 50, and route 29 going for it; K-Mart has, well, Columbia Pike and 236.
Mixed-use complexes have their appeal, but they aren't a miracle drug, and they do have some strong side effects.
I agree re mixed use type.
I just want you to know that Merrifield is a great place but it took the commission there 25 years previously to the plan all that out that did not happen overnight it took them 25 years to make all those plans for every building every store everything that took a long time to make that happen. I believe that's why it looks as good as it does.
I don't think it was an eyesore. But if they leave it vacant for any length of time, it will be. Speaking of eyesores, the AMF bowling alley in Annandale was supposed to be closed and a mixed use project put on the site, but it never happened. The bowling alley does look a bit better with a recent roofing an paint job. I agree with the person who said a Walmart should go in but I doubt the Korean Business Association, or whatever it's called, would want that. Korean businesses dominate that area of Annandale.
Happy to see it go but man, tough spot to fill. Arturo should just go all in and take over.
this was my first thought as well 🙂
Who is Arturo?
Exactly. If that space is too big for him to take on, they should break k-mart up into a bunch of smaller spots. I can see that area becoming a great place for more places like The Block and Pelicana, maybe some more younger hip spots like bars and restaurants and make it a nice strip and a destination place for Annandale which The Block has already sort of started to turn it into. Keep the momentum going, expand The Block and develop the other space for good hang out spots and eateries.
Arturo is the owner of the block. Agree completely Adale rez.
Adam and Adale, completely agree. Annandale can become a metro food destination like Shirlington with unique ethnic fooderies in lieu of big box retail. Allot can be done with some imagination, vision and smarts. Just don't get the county involved: leadership and the county attorneys will screw things up.
We need Jason's Deli in this area. There isn't any decent sandwich place in this area. Make it into something like Fair Lakes shopping center.
Yeah the story is, when Arturo's Snocream was just that converted school bus, the landlord approached him for a vacant spot where The Block is now, and they liked his idea. After it has opened, they were really impressed and surprised with The Block's ability to attract a diverse crowd, and not just the Korean crowd that Annandale has become associated with. Anyone who has gone to The Block, will tell you that it's probably one of the most diverse crowds you will see, you have families, older folks, younger folks, hipster folks, and people of all backgrounds in there. It wasn't easy securing a permit inside The Block since it has multiple vendors inside and was one of the first of its kind in the area. Pelicana has opened up in there recently which attracts a younger crowd. I think the landlord will continue to think a little bit outside the box, and hopefully open up something really awesome. It is a huge space though and it would be really costly to chop up into small pieces. I think if it was done though, it would really revitalize Annandale. That area where the Goodwill is, if that was also revitalized, that whole area would be a great hang out place. Arlington and other parts of NoVA is too cookie cutter, Annandale has a chance to really stand out and have some personality.
Costco is going there
Well, there goes our local premier shopping experience. It wasn't pretty, but I could always count on them to have the jeans, shoes, unmentionables, toiletries and other low cost items I needed. From now on, I won't be able to simply drop in whenever I need that stuff. – Sparky
You could go to target. Like 2 miles away, it’s not the ozarks.
Adam: That's useful advice only if I'm going by helicopter. Depending on the time and day, navigating the traffic mess at Seven Corners/Rt.50 & Gallows Rd. can take at least three to four times as long. – Sparky
Maybe Target will open at that location.
Well there’s your problem, take the beltway to 50 and hang a right on Williams drive and come up eskridge. I can usually get there in 10 min and I’m off Ravensworth. If I took hallows all the way it’d be 20-30 easy.
that's what happens when a big company doesn't care about their employees all they care about is their pockets
How awful for the lower income residents in the area. I have shopped there for years for clothes, shoes, garden supplies. We do not need another mixed development of condos and Panera bread and a kinkos underneath them. gridlock already on gallows road, route 50, Annandale road, all the roads, and no more traffic needed on Columbia Pike or Little River turnpike Stop trying to turn Annandale in to something it is not.
Ok I’ll bite, what IS Annandale then?
Put in a Walmart it'll do better. I've been here since 1985 and it needs to go!
Guarantee you those employees were not at the cash registers, though… they’re NEVER where you need them!!
I agree with you. I don’t want more gentrification that already is present in the DMV are. I would however would like a Target there…
I don’t think you know what gentrification means Rosie
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Annandale has become a social economically mixed community but some forget that there are plenty of affluent communities in and around Annandale. Those include Sleepy Hollow Woods and Run, Hillbrook,Brook Hills, Ravensworth Grove, Broyhill Crest, Pleasant Ridge and that doesnt include the outside beltway locales and areas adjacent to 22003.
This is potentially a game changer for Annandale. Developers have wanted to use that site for years but the lease was too tough to break/buyout. Now this may be the impetus for developers to get involved. I get the concerns about traffic and mixed-use mentioned above, but the spot needs improvement and this anchor location could be just that. The timing is good, too, with a good economy, low interest rates, etc. I am hopeful that something good comes out of it.
Penny Gross and the NIMBYs will be sure to kill any possibilites for future development other than welfare centers, DMVs and shelters.
I wish I could "ignore" commenters like you here; you say the same thing over and over without ever adding anything real to the discussion. If you're trolling a local blog, I declare your life beyond pathetic.
Here is a contributory comment, call PG's office or write her an email and tell her she needs to clean up the dump. Many of us have done so but she just ignores her constituency and continues as business as usual. You would think as deputy chair she would have more influence. I see no evidence of that in Mason.
There really is no long term viability of Sears or Kmart. I would much rather they just liquidate completely once and for all instead of the this slow bleed so communities can move on and find ways to rebuild. The slow process just holds up possible valuable real estate while not contributing much economically in the meantime.
Please. Give the employees a chance to find new jobs! I think it is good that they are giving the employees a few months to work out their future employment! Most companies can't/don't do that.
Kmart has been teetering on the edge of failure for a good decade now.
A decade? How old are you? lol a few decades.
This is very unfortunate, indeed. It was a good place to get staple items at a reasonable price and a convenient location. And it was usually busy when I would shop there. I wish a Target or Walmart would pick it up but I doubt it. *sigh*
I agree. When I first moved to Annandale 9 years ago from Fairlakes, I didn't like the idea that the only place I can get whatever I need was K-Mart. But it turns out to be a great location when I need to get something quickly and inexpensive and just one or two items without having to drive more than 20 mins – like Target at Mosaic. It's not far but Kmart is closer than my grocery I shop weekly.
Really going to miss Kmart. It has been my go to place for basics, 5 minutes from home and no need to deal with traffic. I would like to see Target or Walmart. Don’t need more boutiques or Korean restaurants.
Agreed. Variety works best in nature, and it works well in retail, too.
Wegmans!!! 🙂
YES!
Wagman's is really going there?
Wegmans!! 🙂
I don't think they have enough space or parking for a normal monstrous wegman's there.
How do u know that's wag man's ?
If Annandale and 22312 Zip code does not wake up, we will be a Third World Country site. High grass along road, crumbled sidewalks, trash everywhere, dirty bus stations, etc. We are thinking about moving simply because our tax dollar does not go far for those that pay taxes….would not see this in other parts of FFC. Very sad. Mason District has gone to hell in a handbasket. Schools have gone downhill as well. Time to leave.
Well if we all keep voting the way we have for the last 20 years, you should not expect things to change. Mason District has essentially voted itself to become a DUMP.
Vote Republican like I have the past 30 years in Annandale and just pray for change!!
Well, maybe that the issue… LOL! ?
"High grass along road, crumbled sidewalks, trash everywhere, dirty bus stations, etc. "
You are already describing annandale. The whole rt 7/columbia pike, culmore area is really dirty (TRASH EVERYWHERE), rough and beat down.
Having worked for a developer I know that the most important tenant you can put in the shopping center is a grocery store. I was at the grocery store a few days ago in Fairfax and told them that they needed to open the store in or near Baileys Crossroads.Their response to me was that ( rumor had it amoung the employees)they’re opening one in Annandale. The old Bloom store had to be split up for the Aldi and the Kmart store is much bigger than that. You could put two or three big stores and that Kmart space. One of them really needs to be a grocery store. That is what you need to revitalize Annandale.
It would be heaven if Wegmans went into that space. Wegmans + theBlock, Id never have to cook again. Everyone should call Wegmans and tell we want them. The downside, it may push the other local stores out into vacancy. Every two weeks I travel to Wegmans in FFX to stock up.
If it has to be a grocery store, I vote for Whole Foods. MOMs is great, but I will never be a fan of parking garages. I miss the Whole Foods that used to be just down 236, and I miss Healthway, too.
Honestly, though, if we get another restaurant that really doesn't stand out, or (god forbid) a Wal-Mart, I'm going to scream.
God forbid we get another Asian restaurant you mean? JFC Annandale has become a Korean food Mecca why not just embrace it? Also, there’s no way in hell were getting a WF or Moms, look at the market – I think a Wal Mart would be fine.
I am not sure Whole Foods would come back. The DUMP sort of scared them off. But that would be a great option too. Let's hope that a more upscale food center will come to Annandale and turn the Dump into Delicious.
God Fordbid no more Asian stores. I'm Asian! Enough of it!!!!
Except Annandale has enough grocery stores. Safeway, Giant and Aldies.
I heard from a Giant employee that Wegmans is going in there. Not sure how much truth there is to that, but I wouldn't mind it!
Fingers crossed for Wegmans.
I've always visioned that site as a Lowe's home improvement store. Home Depot needs some serious competition in our local 22042, 22003 area.
Having worked in a shipping department at a local Home Depot, that location's back alley would be a nightmare. People use it as a way to cross between Columbia Pike and Little River. A home improvement store would need it to load and unload trucks and prepare orders for tomorrow's shipment. I could see there being plenty of accidents back there.
Email Wegmans, tell them we need it: https://www.wegmans.com/service/contact-us.html
Wegmans is the answer. Annandale is ALREADY a mecca for cultural food. Wegmans would solidify our commitment to quality food. I picture a Wegmans cooking classes inviting local chefs to teach– they are active in communities. It would likely mean the Giant would go out of business but that's a long time coming and even more options for quality stuff to be put there (also the Antique store is out of businesses). Nothing but opportunities– . Lets' make Wegmans Annandale happen!!!
Sad to see it go. I used to get so much free stuff from there. It was the best store ever. No other store offered their customers such incentives to shop and earn back points. With all the cashback you got basically all your grocery and clothes shopping was paid for. Beats Target and Wegmans and whatever by a long run! Also this store has been their since my childhood. I doubt a Wegmans will go in its place. It's not really the right area for it.
Peggy, STOP spreading that rumor!
Actually, Wegmans would be the best possible use for the building. I believe that the store they have in Sterling Virginia was a converted Kmart. Who needs that old outdated Giant in Annandale? It is not one of their best looking stores. They are building a brand new one in Landmark where the old Shoppers food warehouse used to be. Other uses for this building could be a Costco or Lowe’s. BJ’s and Home Depot have absolutely no competition anywhere near here. The closest Lowe’s is on Richmond Highway and the closest Costco is either in Lorton or Pentagon City.
There’s a Costco in springfield… tucked in behind some auto shops. I would love a Costco Annandale tho… second, a Weggmans!
I thought Wegman's always built their buildings and didn't move into existing ones. Or they used to.
I"m so happy to see this dump go away!!! I was here in the early 1990's when it was still a Shoppers Food Warehouse!!! Kmart just needs to go away and something else needs to go in that will change the community around.
Actually Shoppers was next door where the Block is now, before Shoppers Food it was a Jumbo Food Store. I've been around Annandale since the 70s.
100% Penny will make this into a County center of some sort
We need a Wal-Mart none in these area only Kingston and Richmond hwy so put up a big Wal-Mart for us
There is a Walmart in Tysons, one in Fairfax City, and one in Fair Lakes.
Walmart is a very realistic FIT for the demographics of the neighborhood. Wegman's is NOT and their isn't enough space for a wegman's anyway.
This community doesn't have much hope. It is what is it. SAD.
No way a Wegmans will open up there. A Wegmans is already in plans to open off eisenhower avenue within a few years (right next to AMC hoffmans).
I think it is an ideal location for a Wal-Mart. The demographics of the area are correct, and the parking lot and store size are appropriate. As a homeowner within walking distance, this is what I hope for, among the realistic options.
I agree 100%.
You Annandale clowns who didn't support the great Kmart and don't embrace Giant Food deserve to compete with the dogs for street scraps–let that endeavor comprise your shopping experience!!! Stores like Wegman's don't want anything to do with your delipidated burg! Now stay away from kmart's store closing sales, you all smell!!!
That is probably true. Why would an upscale retailer like Wegmans want to open a store in the dump? Do you see PG trying to woo these retailers. Nooooooooos…..she just supports homeless shelters and community centers. Social wasteland………too bad. I hear Annandale use to be a nice place.
They need a Walmart to be put there. Don't like traveling way down Richmond hwy that store is unorganized if you go there in the evening. Rude employees that don't help. At least the Kingstowne Village Walmart is decent but still the best time to go is when they open at 6am when nothing is picked over and disorganized. Walmart would be best even where shoppers closed down in Landmark Plaza. They could put a Walmart there in between the competitor stores Ross and Marshalls. Lets cross our fingers for Walmart.
Interesting that you point out the shortfalls of the nearest Walmarts but still think that a Walmart would be a great thing to have right here in Annandale. I'm not convinced.
I've heard rumors of plans to turn the Kmart into a Costco. Please confirm!!
Late to this party… But if this area isn’t redeveloped then a Wegmans would be an awesome answer! No Walmart! Walmart is downscale and does not reflect what this community can become.
Store won't be missed. Let's hope they can put something useful in there. A target or Walmart.
Wal-Mart or a Lowe's Hardware Store would be awesome!But it will probably end up another crap hole or 2 or 3. Seems to be all we get around here for many years now! The area is a Dump like it's big brother Springfield.
Have you seen Springfield lately? It used to be a dump��
Springfield has made noticable progress. Their supervisor seems more engaged and has chipped away at its decline. Unlike in Mason where the supervisor has social welfare agenda.
Some small spots of a little area in Springfield are better. All in all it's hit or miss but overall still a Dump. Empty Real Estate from closing and so on make it still yet a dump. Then you still have the adult entertainment club and store. That adds up to DUMP in it self!
At least Springfield shows progress and promise of a revival. That is not happening in Mason. Most developers have been run out of town or throuh up their hands. Some of this is due to poor facilitation by the Mason Supervisor. Three develops have bailed on Baileys next to Bradley Acura and I can go on. I bet you Gross will build her social welfare palace next to her deluxe homeless shelter and we can forget our hopes of making Baileys a viable destinaion mixed use commercial destrict lick Mosaic. Gross has all but put the nail in the coffin. But for the homeless, vagrants, criminals, secion 8 rentes, boaring house and the destitude she has and will be creating a mecca.
Born, raised, and still live in Annandale. I have fond memories of going to KMart to buy fishing gear, street hockey sticks, Styx "Paradise Theater" LP the day Air Florida crashed, and other odds and ends. But this was 40+ years ago. Have maybe been inside KMart 2x in the past 20 years. Annandale needs a complete overall from 236 & 495 to KMart. With the antique stores behind the Post Office closed as well, there is lots of open space to get it started. Walmart, Wegmans, Costco, ect would all be improvements IMHO. Would also like to see some other restaurant options, if even food chains.
As another 40 year resident, I completely agree with you
We do not need another "mixed development" with expensive poorly built condo's/apts and crappy useless coffee shops below, it's annandale and a walmart would be good enough and it would take the burden off the kingstown (3rd world) walmart.
My family moved to Annandale in 1949. It was a land of trees with a few houses thrown in. During elementary school, we could enter an essay contest with the theme, "Annandale — The Town with a Future." Of course, Annandale is not a town; it's a village. So maybe that's why nobody came up with a viable future, and Annandale has developed as a haphazard little village ever since. I love all the crazy little buildings and upgrades here and there, but I agree that this would be a good time to envision something modern and exciting for Annandale residents. I really appreciate all the comments and ideas that are emerging!
GO Walmart!!
My first choice would be a Harbor Freight second a Lowe`s third Walmart .I just have a feeling the building and the old Wendy's building will sit empty for years.
I'm Asian, and I just need something non-Asian and non-Korean to go into Annandale. Growing up here was so great in the 80's, but now it's turned into Korean land!
I like KMart and this store in particular. Well made clothes and a nice variety. Not sure I understand the "eye sore" comments. Most department stores like this have big open parking lots. I don't see Walmart or Target any less of an eye sore. Sorry to see it go.
Hope it's not a Walmart they're a rip off I know because I work for them
100% Costco
How do you know?
I heard that the owner of Riverside Spa is in talks to turn the Kmart into a Korean Spa. The idea is that they might turn that facility into a Men's Wet and Co-Ed Dry Korean Spa, and then Riverside Spa would become solely a Women's Wet Korean Spa (steam, hot tubs, etc.). Both facilities would offer the full range of massages, etc.
That would really suck for the spot and area as a whole! Let's pray that doesn't happen!We need something far more appealing and functional then that garbage!Wow just wow. Another genius idea for the toilet bowl city of the county!
What about a row of restaurants. A Panera, Chipotle, Halal Guys a trendy salad shop burger place and coffee shop. What is so difficult about that. If Route 1 can support this so can Annandale
Costco
The owner of Riverside said now the idea is that 15,000 square feet of the Kmart would be a Co-Ed Korean Spa. Men’s and Women’s would be on either side, with Co-Ed part in the middle (where they wear pajamas). The rest of the Kmart building would be rented out to other businesses. This is a great idea. Korean Spas are popular with millennials and professionals.
And dont forget Chic fil A is also coming to Annandale
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2019/01/25/annandale-to-get-its-first-chick-fil-a
SJM Partners will be developing the site. Just what Annandale doesn't need! I live in Annandale but drive elsewhere for dining, shopping etc. We need some more diverse stores and restaurants here. https://sjmpartners.com/coming-soon/kmart/