Changes are on the way for Kmart and Sears stores following the merger of their parent companies, but widespread store closings won’t be part of them, said Edward Lampert, architect of the $12.3 billion merger that became reality Thursday and gave birth to Sears Holdings Corp., which he now chairs.
A specific blueprint for change hasn’t been disclosed, other than the earlier-announced plan to convert up to 400 Kmart stores to the new mid-sized Sears Essential concept, which adds snacks and other convenience items to the usual mix of offerings.
