A total of eight-Michigan Kmart stores including Hastings are due to close by the end of the year.

Larry Costello, public relations director for Sears and Kmart said "after careful review, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close the Kmart stores in Hastings, Belleville, Menominee, Midland, Clio, Grayling, Oscoda and Marine city."

Liquidations sales are expected to begin  this month, with a plan in place to close the stores by mid December.