Originally published in the 2018 Founder’s Review Magazine
It was a sad day in April when the last “Blue Light Special” officially dimmed. The Belleview Kmart closed its doors permanently on April 8.
Belleview looked quite different in 1985 when the iconic red “K” was first mounted on the storefront at Belleview Regional Shopping Center. The chain entered the town as a thriving retailer, bringing excitement and job opportunities to a sleepy small town with little else.
Kmart’s original lease was signed by corporate officials in Michigan on September 13, 1984.
Jean Bearce, known as “Mama Jean,” started working at the Ocala Kmart in October 1981. After 31 years of service, she retired, only to return two years later. In total, she spent 34 years with Kmart. Jean fondly remembers watching the Belleview store being built and had the opportunity to help set it up before its opening in 1985.
Transferred to the Belleview Kmart, Jean held various roles over the years, including associate, assistant manager, and human resources. Early on, she served as the “Good News Coordinator,” organizing holiday displays featuring pictures with the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and a Halloween Witch. Proceeds from these events were donated back to the community.
The “K Cafe” was a customer favorite, a place to sit, grab a bite, and enjoy fellowship. Jean reminisces about the Clock Restaurant in Belleview, which always felt like home. No matter the time, someone familiar was there. She and her coworkers would often head there after Kmart closed to unwind. Now, she laments that there’s no late-night spot in town.
Jean also recalls the Belleview Jaycees’ Christmas shopping events for the less fortunate, along with the more recent “Shop with the Cops” hosted by the Belleview Police Department and the Rotary’s shopping initiatives for needy families. She calls Kmart “my store” and is proud to have been a part of it.
Her favorite aspect of working at Kmart was watching young associates grow into mature adults. She witnessed many build careers, marry, and start families.
The news of the closing shocked Jean and the staff. “We never thought it would be so soon,” said longtime employee Cynthia Sherrill. Just the year prior, the store underwent a major remodel, leading many to believe it would stay open longer.
For most employees, Kmart was more than just a paycheck. “I know a lot of customers by name, and I’ve seen kids I worked with grow up,” Sherrill explained. “We’re like a family, and we worry about each other.”
“We love each other like family, fight like family, and stick together like family. It’s going to be a big adjustment for a lot of us. I’ve worked there since I was 16. To not have that anymore is going to be hard,” she added.
The employees weren’t the only ones caught off guard. Representatives from The Schreiber Company, which owns Belleview Regional Shopping Center, said they learned about the closing at the same time as everyone else.
Despite having over a year left on the lease, Kmart corporate officials informed The Schreiber Company that their decision was final, and no efforts to keep the store open were successful.
This marks the second major vacancy in the shopping center, following Winn Dixie’s departure in 2016. However, there’s a bright spot: a retailer called “Roses” is set to occupy the old Winn Dixie space. Though no opening date has been announced, an agreement with the landlord has been finalized.
Ocala’s last Kmart, located on Highway 40, will also close, leaving Gainesville with the nearest location of the declining chain.
“Over the years, Kmart has had great managers and coworkers. I am very sad to see my store close,” Jean said. “I will miss my Kmart family and our loyal customers. A big thank you to everyone who supported us for all these years.”
Jean plans to stay in Belleview and hopes to continue working in the community, looking forward to seeing some familiar faces.
