The Kmart store located at 1405 Buckeye Ave. in south Ames will close to the public in early December, a company spokesperson said.

“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,” said Howard Riefs, Sears’ director of corporate communications, in an email.

The Big Kmart just off of Duff Ave. will remain open to the public until closing day on Dec. 7. Riefs said a liquidation sale is scheduled to begin Sunday, Sept. 28.

Riefs also said the Ames Kmart had 44 employees, many of whom are part-time or hourly workers.

“Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores,” said Riefs. Sears and Kmart merged in late 2004.

The public appears to be choosing “alternative channels” and Kmart is attempting to earn back members through other means, Reifs said.

“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,” the email said.