March 27, 1969 San Diego’s newest department store opened this morning a half hour ahead of time at 54th and University. The opening of Kmart was rushed because so many hundreds of customers were waiting to get inside the spacious store and share in its thousands of bargains. More than 160 San Diegans are to be employed permanently at the Kmart which features an immense parking lot, 104 thousand square feet of shopping space, and every conceivable household item from refrigerators to pets and pet supplies. There are now 275 Kmart department stores throughout the United States.