‘Was the Astor Place Kmart Haunted?’ and Other Thoughts on Its Closing

The big-box department store received an unexpected volume of tributes after it abruptly closed in July.

Kmart opened its doors at 770 Broadway, a commercial landmark where the West Village meets the East, in 1996. Anyone who’s taken the 6 to Astor Place might recall the big red “K” that can be seen from the Subway platform, beckoning riders to hunt for discounts. For those who actually stopped in, searching for a three-pack of Hanes T-shirts or a clean-ish city bathroom, the store could provide a memorable, and occasionally haunting, shopping experience. At least that was the case for all those who shared online tributes to the store after it closed abruptly on July 11.