Dress Code Sparks Debate

Kmart’s new dress code for its 250,000 store employees will send some workers shopping - at its competitors.

Starting April 1, store associates will be expected to wear a white shirt or blouse and plain, dark pants or a skirt - topped by the same red vest workers have worn for years, said Kmart spokeswoman Mary Lorencz. However, ties, which had been required for male employees, will become optional.

Kmart says its intention is to make sales clerks easier for customers to find and create a professional appearance.

“It’s all part of being more accessible and more friendly to customers,” said Lorencz.

But some female employees say they’ll have to buy the plain pants at other retailers because the discounter doesn’t carry them.