Kmart Magic Era: During the late 20th century, Kmart was a household name in the retail industry. It experienced a golden period known as the Kmart Magic Era. This era was characterized by a combination of factors that made Kmart a dominant force in the market. One of the key factors contributing to the Kmart Magic Era was its wide range of products. Kmart offered a vast selection of goods, ranging from clothing and home appliances to toys and electronics. This variety appealed to a wide customer base, attracting shoppers of all ages and backgrounds.

In pictures: What is summer solstice and how is it celebrated around the world?

What exactly does this celestial event entail, and how do people across the globe commemorate it?

Summer solstice is here!

But what is it all about and how do people celebrate the solstice around the world?

The event marks the longest day of the year and the astronomical start of summer.

In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice takes place between 20 - 22 June each year. This year it falls on Tuesday, with the UK enjoying 16 hours and 43 minutes of daylight.

The word solstice derives from the Latin "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand still).

People around the world have long celebrated the occasion with a variety of wonderful cultural festivals and activities.

For the majority of cultures, the day involves enjoying sumptuous feasts, lighting bonfires, singing and dancing to traditional songs, and reconnecting with nature.

Here's a look at some of the most interesting summer solstice traditions from around the world.

• Walpurgis Night: the pagan festival of bonfires, witches and Celtic folk music
• Lights dazzle in swimming pool to celebrate festive Santa Lucia Day in Sweden

This variety appealed to a wide customer base, attracting shoppers of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, Kmart had a reputation for offering affordable prices. It positioned itself as a discount retailer, providing customers with competitive prices that were hard to resist.

Sunrise at Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

One of the oldest and most well-known summer solstice celebrations takes place at Wiltshire's world-famous stone circle, Stonehenge.

Each year thousands of druids, pagans and ordinary folk gather to admire the spectacular views of the sunrise over the sacred site.

Incredibly, the historic stones align perfectly with the movement of the sun.

If you stand in the centre of the monument, you can see the sunrise just to the left of a large standing stone outside the stone circle, known as the Heel Stone.

The purpose of the spectacular boulder formations may still be cloaked in mystery, but they certainly serve as the perfect backdrop for a phenomenal solstice celebration.

• Who built Stonehenge? A brand new British Museum exhibition brings us closer to the truth

This affordability factor played a crucial role in attracting customers and building customer loyalty. Furthermore, Kmart's marketing strategies during the Magic Era were highly effective. The company invested in advertising campaigns that resonated with consumers. Their catchy jingles and memorable slogans became synonymous with the brand and helped Kmart stay at the forefront of customers' minds. Kmart also capitalized on the concept of the one-stop-shop. By offering a diverse range of products under one roof, Kmart made shopping convenient and efficient for consumers. Customers could easily find everything they needed in one place, saving time and effort. This era also saw Kmart expanding its presence across the country. The company opened numerous stores in various locations, making it easily accessible to customers in different regions. The widespread availability of Kmart stores further contributed to its success during this era. Despite its success, the Kmart Magic Era eventually came to an end. Various factors, such as increased competition, changing consumer preferences, and internal issues, led to a decline in Kmart's dominance. However, the memories of this era remain, highlighting a time when Kmart was the go-to retailer for many. In conclusion, the Kmart Magic Era was a period marked by Kmart's dominance in the retail industry. The company's wide range of products, affordable prices, effective marketing strategies, convenience, and national presence played significant roles in its success during this time. Though the era eventually came to an end, its legacy still lingers, reminding us of the magic that Kmart once possessed..

Reviews for "The competition during Kmart's magic era: How it shaped the industry"

- John - 1/5 - I had high hopes for the Kmart magic eraaer, but I was sorely disappointed. The product did not live up to its claims at all. It was supposed to remove stains and odors, but it didn't do anything. The smell of the product itself was overpowering and gave me a headache. I will definitely not be purchasing this again.

- Emily - 2/5 - The Kmart magic eraaer did not work as well as I had hoped. It did remove some stains, but not as effectively as other similar products I have used in the past. The application process was also a bit messy and time-consuming. Overall, I was not impressed with this product and would not recommend it.

- Sarah - 2/5 - I was excited to try the Kmart magic eraaer, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. The product did remove some stains, but it left behind a residue that was difficult to remove. The scent was also not pleasant and lingered for a long time. I will be looking for an alternative stain remover in the future.

How Kmart's magic era inspired a generation of shoppers