FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – The last remaining Kmart store in Fort Wayne will be closing it's doors come December. In addition, the Kmart store in Decatur will also be closing up shop by the end of the year.

Officials with Sears Holdings, Kmart's parent company, say the closings come as many Sears and Kmart stores have struggled in the new retail economy. Sears Spokesman Howard Riefs says the Kmart stores in Decatur and Fort Wayne will close to the public in early December 2014. The stores will then begin their liquidation sale on September 28.

“Store closures are part of a series of actions we're taking to reduce on-going expenses, adjust our asset base, and accelerate the transformation of our business model. These actions will better enable us to focus our investments on serving our customers and members through integrated retail – at the store, online and in the home,” said Riefs.

The Fort Wayne Kmart, located at 820 North Coliseum Boulevard, employs 69 associates. The Decatur store has 49 associates. Employees that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores.