In the early 2000’s I took a part time job at Walmart for extra $. A few months in, Kmart announced they were downsizing. The company had been public about their financial distress for years. I didn’t shop there often because the departments always needed maintained, and their customer service was nil. It was as if they had already given up. One afternoon while working the express checkout, I had a line 10 people deep. I rang up a man’s items when he barked at me, “You know, it’s Walmart’s fault Kmart is closing!” I was surprised at his comment but couldn’t understand if he disliked us so much, why he was shopping with us. I kept my composure and said, “No sir, it is Kmart’s fault. It’s just like when you get married. If you stop caring about what you look like, and aren’t considerate to the person who should be most important to you, you will lose them.” He grabbed his receipt and stomped away. The customers in line started laughing. I looked at them, and asked, “Am I right?” A few of them nodded.

It seems the majority of the public is blaming the closing of retail businesses on Amazon. I feel there a lot places that have been hit hard by the competition, but you can’t always make it the other’s fault. I cannot predict the future, but this is a time where we should all have our eyes open and be prepared for anything. I have also worked for companies that have closed. If supplies start dwindling, things aren’t being fixed, there is no overtime offered, and HR doesn’t answer your calls, something may be up. And rather than keep your head down, make sue your skill set is up to date and so is your resume.