Kmart temporarily closes NSW, QLD and Victorian stores to meet surge in online orders
Kmart has shuttered multiple stores across the country in a bid to meet a spike in online orders. Here are the stores customers won’t be able to visit.
Retail
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Kmart has announced the temporary closure of multiple stores in a bid to meet a surge in online orders.
Three stores have been turned into fulfilment centres in order to cater to the surge in demand, including Top Ryde in NSW and Caboolture in Queensland.
It follows a successful trial at Kmart’s Brandon Park store in Victoria, which will also remain as a fulfilment centre.
It is unknown how long the stores will remain closed to the public, but staff will still be working to fulfil orders.
A Kmart spokeswoman told News Corp the move was designed to offer customers greater convenience.
“Over the past few weeks, we have seen a huge surge in demand for our online services and we want to continue to support our customers with shopping in a way that’s most convenient for them. That’s why we’re doing things a little bit differently at Kmart,” the spokeswoman said.
“We’ve made the decision to temporarily convert a few of our stores into order fulfilment sites to help support the growing demand for our online home delivery services.
“Our store teams will continue working instore, as part of this fulfilment team; ensuring that our Kmart customers and communities have easy access to the products they need, at the time they need them most.”
The spokeswoman said it was a “unique time” as the nation remained gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in lockdowns across the country.
“We recognise that this is a unique time and we are here to support our customers, teams and communities, while we all adjust to this new way of life together,” the spokeswoman said.
“Our deepest appreciation and thanks to the local communities for their understanding and support.”
Kmart has 240 stores across the country, and is currently offering free delivery for online orders above $45.
Across the past few weeks a number of Australian stores have shuttered amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Iconic boot brand R.M Williams, which have been operating in Australia since 1932, said it survived World War II, but the virus had stopped it “mid stride”.
Its stores will remain closed until Monday, April 27.
Australian department store David Jones has also closed its small fashion stores – Country Road, Mimco, Witchery, Trenery and Politix, leaving 5000 staff without work.
David Jones’ major retail stores have remained open, but its smaller DJs stores at Sydney’s Barangaroo and James Street in Brisbane have been closed.
It followed Myer’s announcement that it would temporarily close all stores “for an initial period of four weeks until April 27”.