And Kmart makes three.

This week's announcement of the closing of Kmart at Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, marks the loss of the shopping destination's final original anchor.There's no question Schuylkill Mall is sailing rough seas.The mall was opened by Crown American, Johnstown developer, in October 1980, boasting anchors Sears, Hess's and Kmart, among many other stores.The elevated location overlooking Route 61 and I-81 seemed perfect.Back in those days, there was no Internet commerce. Brick and mortar was the way to go.The 800,000-square-foot mall boasted space for 115 stores. It included a Rea & Derick drugstore, a Weis Market grocery store and two McDonald's restaurants, one inside and one outside at the parking lot.But in 35 years, the past 10 or 15 have been tumultuous.Hess's closed in 1995. Chick-fil-A closed in 2009.In 2011, Kay Jewelers and Liberty Travel moved out.The Gap closed in 2012.The trend had begun.Around the same time, state troopers from Schuylkill Haven and Frackville barracks, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office, raided Nirvana's Closet looking for illegal bath salts and synthetic marijuana.That place closed in February 2012.Then Auntie Anne left with her soft pretzels in 2013.In 2014, more upheaval.That year brought the bankruptcy of Arby's, and closings of GameShop, Hallmark Gold Crown and Schuylkill Valley Sports.In some cases, new stores and shops supplanted those that failed or moved out.For instance, Black Diamond Antiques, a co-op, continues to draw shoppers and browsers to the former Hess's location.But it's always difficult when the anchor stores disappear.Given a choice, shoppers would much rather purchase items locally instead of driving to Allentown, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, as has been the practice.There's no question Schuylkill Mall is challenged to redefine itself in the new era of online shopping, fluctuating gas prices and a volatile economy.It's part of an alarming trend across the country.Many malls are dying, perceived as 1970s dinosaurs.Others are trying to attract movie theaters, restaurants and discount centers to fill the voids.Interestingly, economists predict some malls will be replaced by community colleges, business offices and health care facilities.But whatever happens, we hope Schuylkill Mall finds a way to deal with the loss and preserve its relevance as a shopping destination in Schuylkill County.By DONALD R. SERFASSdserfass@tnonline.com