Kmart employee chokes up as he makes his final announcement before the store closes permanently
Some shoppers might be sad to see Kmart stores go, after the chain’s parent company, Sears Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday. But there’s likely nobody as emotional about saying farewell to the store’s McMurray, Penn., location as store manager Joshua Englert, who got teary while giving his last announcement over the PA system.
Taking to his Facebook on Sunday evening, Englert posted a video of himself saying, “Attention, Kmart shoppers” over the store’s PA system for the very last time after working at the superstore for 18 years.
“I started when I was 16 as a cashier and worked my way up to store manager by the time I was 23,” he tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “I’ve never met such a wonderful group of people in my life like my Kmart family.”
He goes on to say that the people there are why he has such loyalty to the company. So when he found out in early June that the store would be closing, he knew he had to go out with a bang.
“I’m always on the PA announcing blue light specials and other sale merchandise in a fun way. I thought the team would appreciate a sentimental one,” Englert explains. “I didn’t expect to get emotional, but when I was typing it, I knew it would happen.”
The video, which has gone viral, shows just how emotional Englert’s announcement gets, as he chokes up within the first few moments of his speech.
“I wanted to take this opportunity not to sell you 40 cent plaid skirts or 5 cent panties, but instead to thank you for supporting a lifetime of memories. A sincere thank-you to the people who have made this store their second home,” the speech reads. “I’m the man I am today because of the people I’ve met here at Kmart.”
With close to 50,000 views on his Facebook page alone, Englert is excited to be able to share his positive experience at Kmart with so many people. He hopes that his uplifting message brings people together — and gets him a new job.
“I’m looking for employment and excited to add value to the company that I get on board with,” he says. “I’m dedicated, passionate, and energetic. With 11 years of big-box retail experience, I hope someone scoops me up!”
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
