Kmart Northcote Plaza will close in November 2020
Bargain hunters in Melbourne’s north are in for a massive blow, with rumours confirmed that a popular Kmart will close next year. But there could be a small silver lining for the shopping centre it’s leaving.
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In what some are calling the beginning of the end for Northcote Plaza, the Kmart will close its doors next year.
Kmart spokesman Steven Mann confirmed the store will close on November 22, 2020 when their current lease expires.
He did not say why the lease was not being renewed.
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About 135 staff work at the store and Mr Mann said the permanent staff members have been guaranteed jobs elsewhere.
Rumours of the closure flooded social media and received mixed reactions, with some suggesting it might encourage more sustainable buying habits.
But Bonnie Adele disagreed and said visiting other Kmarts would be a “huge trek” without a car.
“I think that is really sad, it gives people on a low budget/no car in the area access to lots of stuff. Especially if they have kids!” she wrote.
Shoppers hoped the exit of one of the plaza’s biggest stores might signal the start of a redevelopment for the ageing centre.
Allison Cherry said the centre was a “shocker” and needed a major makeover.
Judy Scott wrote “This will be the end of the centre. Already empty shops so the word is out.”
But the Leader understands the ownership of Northcote Plaza is as an owners corporation, which can make redevelopment complicated.
In this system owners of individual stores make joint decisions on common areas and shared structures, such as the plaza’s exterior.
The news comes after the Leader revealed major plans for upgrades to neighbouring Northcote Central, which is privately owned.
How do you feel about the closure? Let us know in the comments.
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