Western Colorado residents sighed a breath of relief when it was announced last week the Grand Junction Kmart store was NOT on the list of locations set to be closed down. Today, it was announced the Grand Junction store will be closing at the end of March of 2017.

Earlier today, Wednesday, January 4, 2017, Sears Holdings announced the closure of 78 Kmart stores and 26 Sears stores. On that list, the Kmart store at 2809 North Avenue in Grand Junction.

Sears Holdings released the following statement:

The decision to close stores is a difficult but necessary step as we take actions to strengthen the Company's operations and fund it's transformation. Many of these stores have struggled with their financial performance for years and we have kept them open to maintain local jobs and in the hopes that they would turn around. But in order to meet our objective of returning to profitability, we have to make tough decisions and will continue to do so, which will give our better performing stores a chance at success. Eligible associates impacted by these store closures will receive severance and will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Kmart or Sears stores.

More From ESPN Western Colorado