Kmart Corp., which last month announced it would close more than 300 stores (including five in the Cincinnati area), is trying to hang on to its customers with a broad campaign designed to encourage shoppers to make the transition from a closing store to another Kmart.

The nationwide campaign, "Savings Are Here To Stay," begins Sunday and includes in-store promotions in which $150 coupon savings books will be handed out at stores scheduled to close by the end of April.

Also, beginning Sunday, customers shopping at closing Kmart stores can register to win a $500 shopping spree; 20 are to be given away. Closing stores also will pass out maps and address information for the nearest open Kmart stores in every shopping bag.

"While the closing of Kmart stores in certain markets is a necessary part of Kmart's drive to emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible, we understand how it affects our loyal consumer base," said Julian C. Day, Kmart's president and CEO. "The `Savings Are Here To Stay' campaign is designed to give our loyal customers the incentive and information they need to transition to a new store."

The Troy, Mich.-based retailer announced this month that it would close five stores in the Cincinnati area, eliminating more than 400 jobs.

The store closings in Cold Spring, Columbia Township, Delhi Township, Lebanon and Sharonville are intended to help the struggling discount chain reduce losses as it strives to climb out of bankruptcy by the end of April.

Randy Tucker