When Target stores will re-open as new Kmart outlets
The future for some Target stores will mean new experiences for shoppers in Bowen, Sarina, Emerald and Moranbah
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Change is coming for Target fans as the stores transform into new K-hub outlets amid sweeping changes for the retail giant in Central Queensland.
While Target Mackay at Caneland Central appears to have survived the closing, or conversion, towns including Sarina, Bowen, Moranbah and Emerald are in for some major changes.
The Target store in Emerald will close in April while Moranbah’s target is slated to shut on March 6.
Neither of the stores will be converted into the new K-hub concept stores, a new outlet that will carry Kmart’s more popular products across its various lines but will be geared toward the online shopping market.
It would mean staff losses unless redeployment was possible, a Target Australia spokeswoman said.
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“We want to thank our store teams, the local communities and all our customers for shopping with us over many years,” the spokeswoman said.
“Our focus remains on supporting our team through this time as we work through finding suitable redeployment within other employers in town or other Wesfarmers businesses including Kmart, Catch, Bunnings and Officeworks.
“Any permanent team members who we are unable to secure suitable redeployment will have access to all their entitlements.
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“We understand that not all of our customers choose to shop online, however we are committed to assisting our customers to help make this process an easier one, with a focus on explaining the attributes and features of Target online, including the accessibility and broad range of products on offer.”
Sarina and Bowen are two towns to receive the new concept K-hub stores where Target once operated.
The spokeswoman said the Bowen store would close at the end of January and re-open as a K-hub on February 3, while Target Sarina closed on January 9 and would re-open at K-hub on January 27.
Kmart Australia and New Zealand retail director John Gualtieri said the business was committed to opening stores in new communities, including Bowen and Sarina.
He said previous Target staff members had been offered the opportunity to join the Kmart stores, with training and support.
“The support we have received from regional communities so far, has been overwhelming,” Mr Gualtieri said.
“Customers are loving the great value, on-trend products we have on offer.
“Think of it as the Kmart experience … a little closer to home.
“We’ve taken our most popular Kmart products across kids, home and clothing; and brought them to life in a new way.
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The major changes follow the decision by parent company Wesfarmers last year to close up to 75 large format Target stores and Target Country stores permanently.
The company in May last year announced up to 92 large format Target stores and Target Country stores could be converted into Kmart branches.
Wesfarmers also revealed $780 million of writedowns on its Kmart Group and industrial and safety branch, and a number of plans designed to “accelerate the growth of Kmart” and “address the unsustainable financial performance of Target”.
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