Kmarts Freebie Saturdays Understanding The Retailers Promotional Program For Children

Kmart's Freebie Saturdays program represents one of the retailer's notable promotional initiatives aimed at attracting families and enhancing the shopping experience. This program offers complimentary items to children on Saturdays, part of Kmart's broader brand transformation strategy focused on "bringing fun back to shopping." The initiative has evolved over time, with details about timing, specific offerings, and operational procedures varying across different locations and periods.

Overview of Freebie Saturdays

Freebie Saturdays is a promotional program implemented by Kmart stores across the United States, designed to provide complimentary items to children while creating an engaging shopping environment. The program forms a component of Kmart's larger brand transformation efforts, which also include the reintroduction of the Bluelight Special, updated store signage, and whimsical advertising campaigns. According to Kmart's communications, these initiatives collectively aim to revitalize the shopping experience and differentiate the retailer from competitors like Walmart and Target.

The program specifically targets children, with most sources indicating that free items are available to kids aged 12 and younger. Unlike many promotional offers that require purchases or memberships, Freebie Saturdays operates on a no-purchase-necessary basis, making it accessible to all families visiting stores on Saturdays. The program operates while supplies last, which suggests that quantities of free items are limited each week.

Program Details and Operation

Schedule and Timing

The operational schedule for Freebie Saturdays has undergone changes according to customer reports. Initially, the program was conducted during morning hours, with sources indicating free items were available from 8am to 11am. However, at least one customer report from November 2016 noted that the timing had been adjusted to the afternoon, specifically from 1pm to 3pm. This discrepancy in scheduling information appears to vary by location or may represent a change in program implementation over time.

During the holiday season, Freebie Saturdays were reportedly extended with additional promotions, though specific details about seasonal modifications are limited in the available source material.

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in Freebie Saturdays is subject to specific eligibility criteria:

• Age restriction: Free items are available to children aged 12 and younger
• Limitation: One free item per child while supplies last
• No purchase necessary: Unlike some Kmart promotions that require Shop Your Way membership or minimum purchase amounts, Freebie Saturdays does not appear to have such requirements
• Participation: Available at participating Kmart locations

These requirements suggest that the program is designed as a straightforward family-friendly promotion without barriers to entry, aligning with Kmart's stated goal of making shopping more enjoyable and accessible.

Types of Free Items

The specific complimentary items offered through Freebie Saturdays have varied over time and across locations. Based on the available source material, the following items have been distributed through the program:

• Popcorn (both regular and caramel varieties)
• Small toys (including miniature footballs)
• Candy
• Granola bars
• Boxes of apple juice
• Small snacks

The value of these items has been reported to be approximately $1 each, making them modest but appealing giveaways for children. The variety of offerings appears to change weekly, creating an element of surprise and encouraging repeat visits to the stores.

Store Participation and Location-Specific Considerations

Freebie Saturdays was implemented across Kmart's store network, which as of 2016 consisted of 941 locations, down from 1,307 five years prior. This reduction in store count reflected the broader challenges facing Kmart and its parent company, Sears Holdings.

The program was available at participating locations, suggesting that not all stores may have implemented it consistently. Customer reports from specific stores include:

• Beavercreek Kmart (4480 Indian Ripple Rd, Beavercreek, Ohio)
• Riverside Kmart (location not specified in source)
• Stores in Pennsylvania (though specific locations not named)

This localized implementation may explain some of the variation in experiences reported by customers regarding availability, timing, and specific items offered.

Integration with Kmart's Overall Marketing Strategy

Freebie Saturdays represents one component of Kmart's comprehensive brand transformation strategy announced in 2016. The initiative was developed alongside other marketing efforts aimed at revitalizing the shopping experience and differentiating Kmart from competitors.

The broader transformation included:

• Reintroduction of the Bluelight Special with a mobile component
• Updated in-store signage featuring the iconic "Attention Kmart Shoppers" tagline
• Whimsical commercials designed to engage customers
• Special employee uniforms featuring "Bluelight" blue shirts with pop culture sayings
• Other promotional events like double coupon events

Kmart explicitly stated that these initiatives were part of an effort to "bring fun back to shopping" and energize both store associates and customers. The company emphasized that the transformation was intended to create a more engaging and enjoyable shopping environment that would encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

Practical Considerations for Shoppers

For families interested in participating in Freebie Saturdays, several practical considerations emerge from the available source material:

Timing Considerations

Given the reported discrepancies in operating hours, shoppers may need to verify the specific timing at their local Kmart location. The variation between morning (8am-11am) and afternoon (1pm-3pm) schedules suggests that the program hours may have changed over time or differ by store.

Supply Limitations

The program operates "while supplies last," indicating that availability may be limited. This suggests that arriving earlier in the promotional period may increase the likelihood of obtaining a free item, particularly for popular giveaways.

Store Closures

It's important to note that Kmart has been closing numerous stores as part of its restructuring. As of early 2017, Sears Holdings had announced the closing of 108 Kmart stores and 42 Sears stores. Shoppers should verify whether their local Kmart store is still operating before planning a visit specifically for Freebie Saturdays.

During Store Liquidation

For stores that are closing, special clearance rules typically apply. Shoppers at these locations should be aware that:

• Coupons might be rejected
• Inventory management may be inconsistent
• Perishable items should be checked for expiration dates
• Return policies may be limited

These considerations are particularly relevant for shoppers visiting Kmart locations during liquidation sales, which may coincide with Freebie Saturdays promotions.

Relationship to Other Kmart Promotions

Freebie Saturdays exists alongside other Kmart promotional initiatives, though it operates independently from many of these programs. For example:

• Double coupon events: These promotions require Shop Your Way membership, a minimum $25 purchase, and limit the number of coupons that can be doubled per customer per day
• Holiday promotions: Freebie Saturdays was reportedly extended throughout the holiday season with additional free items
• The Giving Hat campaign: A separate charitable initiative where Kmart sold winter hats with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

While these other promotions often require purchases or membership, Freebie Saturdays maintains its no-purchase-necessary approach, positioning it as a distinctly accessible family offering.

Historical Context and Evolution

Freebie Saturdays emerged during a challenging period for Kmart, which has been experiencing declining sales, store closures, and increased competition from retailers like Walmart, Target, Kohl's, and Amazon. The program was introduced as part of Kmart's efforts to differentiate itself and create reasons for customers to visit its stores beyond price alone.

The program's evolution from morning to potentially afternoon hours reflects the retailer's experimentation with different approaches to drive traffic and engagement. The specific items offered have also varied, with some weeks featuring snacks while others included small toys, suggesting a flexible approach to the promotion based on available inventory or seasonal considerations.

Consumer Experiences and Reports

Consumer reports about Freebie Saturdays reveal mixed experiences, likely influenced by location-specific implementation and timing:

• Some customers reported enjoying previous iterations of the program with free candy and popcorn
• Others expressed disappointment when arriving at the scheduled time only to find no free items available
• The change in hours from morning to afternoon reportedly inconvenienced some parents who had planned shopping trips around the original schedule
• The variety of items received ranged from granola bars to small toys, with values typically around $1

These reports highlight the importance of verifying current program details at specific locations and managing expectations regarding availability, particularly given the "while supplies last" nature of the promotion.

Impact on Kmart's Business Strategy

Freebie Saturdays should be understood within the broader context of Kmart's business challenges and strategic initiatives. As the company has faced declining sales and store closures, such promotional programs represent attempts to:

• Drive foot traffic to physical stores
• Create positive associations with the Kmart brand
• Appeal to family demographics
• Generate word-of-mouth marketing
• Differentiate from competitors who focus primarily on price

However, analysts have questioned whether such initiatives alone can reverse Kmart's declining fortunes. The competitive landscape has intensified, with major retailers enhancing their offerings across multiple categories including apparel, consumer electronics, and household goods. This suggests that while Freebie Saturdays may contribute positively to the customer experience, it would need to be part of a broader, more comprehensive turnaround strategy.

Conclusion

Kmart's Freebie Saturdays program represents a distinctive promotional offering that provides complimentary items to children on Saturdays while aiming to enhance the overall shopping experience. The program has evolved over time, with variations in scheduling, specific items offered, and operational details across different locations and periods.

Key takeaways for consumers include:

• Free items are available to children aged 12 and younger while supplies last
• No purchase is necessary to participate
• Specific details about timing and offerings may vary by location
• The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis
• Shoppers should verify current program details at their local Kmart store

As Kmart continues to navigate a challenging retail environment, programs like Freebie Saturdays serve as visible examples of the retailer's efforts to differentiate itself and create reasons for customers to visit its stores. While the program's impact on the company's overall performance remains unclear, it has provided families with an accessible promotional offering that adds an element of surprise and enjoyment to the shopping experience.

Sources

1. Flickr - Beavercreek Kmart Freebie Saturdays Report
2. RetailWire - Kmart Brand Transformation
3. Fortune - Kmart Advertising Efforts
4. PennLive - Freebie Saturday and Store Closures
5. Living Rich with Coupons - Kmart Double Coupon Event
6. Freebies4Mom - Free Caramel Popcorn
7. PR Newswire - Kmart Holiday Deals