Robert M. Burton
Director, Investor Relations
(810) 643-1040

KMART CORPORATION REPORTS APRIL SALES RESULTS

TROY, Mich., May 8, 1997--Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) today reported total consolidated sales declined 2.2% to $2.268 billion for the four week period ended April 30, 1997, compared with $2.319 billion for the same period last year. On a comparable store basis, consolidated sales declined 0.8% and U.S. Kmart sales declined 0.8%. Results exclude sales of the discontinued Builders Square operations.

Sales from consolidated operations for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 1997 were $7.263 billion, up 4.1% from $6.975 billion for the first fiscal quarter of 1996. On a comparable store basis, consolidated sales rose 5.5% for the same period and U.S. Kmart sales rose 5.7%.

"Kmart's sales for the quarter were on plan although April sales were at the low end of expectations, " said Floyd Hall, Chairman, President, and CEO of Kmart. "We did experience a broad decline in traffic beginning in the second week of April, which affected primarily weather-sensitive items such as horticulture and selected apparel areas. Fueled by very strong performance in our Martha Stewart Everyday domestics launch, our home fashions business was strong, supported by new assortments in housewares and home decor. Kmart rolled out 110 Big Kmart high frequency store conversions during the month, producing strong performance in consumables. Other areas showing particular strength for the month included do-it-yourself, children's apparel, health and beauty accessories, and photography."

Kmart Corporation serves America with 2,122 Kmart retail outlets, and operates 123 stores internationally. Kmart Corporation common stock is listed on the New York, Pacific and Chicago Stock Exchanges.