Boardman Kmart store to close in mid-April

BOARDMAN — The Kmart store, 1209 Boardman-Poland Road, will close in mid-April, according to a news release from Howard Riefs, director of corporate communications for Sears Holdings.

The store will begin its liquidation sale Jan. 24.

"Store closures are part of a series of actions we’re taking to reduce on-going expenses, adjust our asset base, and accelerate the transformation of our business model," Riefs said. "These actions will better enable us to focus our investments on serving our customers and members through integrated retail – at the store, online and in the home"

The store has 81 employees, Riefs said.

Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores. Most of the associates are part time/hourly.

Customers with layaway contracts at the store can pay off the contract early or transfer their layaway contract to a neighboring store or online, Riefs said.