CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – Major retail chain Sears declared bankruptcy Monday and plans to close several of its stores, including many Kmarts. This has left many to wonder how a once-dominating company could have missed the mark in our modern era.

  • Sears declared bankrupcy Monday.
  • Six North Carolina Sears and Kmarts are set to close in November. 
  • You can view the full list of closures here

Dr. Steven Cox of Queens University says Charlotte is moving in a different direction from what Sears provides. 

"The future of retail in Charlotte is being much more focused, and understanding your customer better," said Cox. 

Ilan Avin said he prefers to shop at spots like Moxie Mercantile in Plaza Midwood nowadays.
"More intimate and usually you can find things that are unique and interesting," explained Avin.

Additionally, with the boom in online retailers chains are seeing less in-person shopping.

Sears plans to close its Carolina Place location, plus two Kmarts in Statesville and Rock Hill.

RELATED: LIST: Sears and Kmarts Closing in North Carolina

Cox felt the mall in Pineville will be alright for the time being, but also added our area is way too saturated with malls - and their heyday is sunsetting.

"If you’ve been to a Macy’s or a Belk recently - how much help do you get from someone," Cox questioned. "Go to a smaller boutique… they get to know me. Now i'm getting some real expertise. They're providing added value to me."

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