David Jones reduced, Target store to close in big changes

Highpoint’s Target store is getting set to close its doors to make way for a new Kmart — and now David Jones has been caught up in the reshuffle.

David Jones is set to reduce the size of its Highpoint store to a single level making way for Kmart to open its first store in the centre, while the existing Target store at Highpoint will close later this year.

The major reshuffle comes as Kmart expands its stores, while Target reduces its number of stores in line with parent company Wesfarmers’ announcement last year that dozens of Target stores were to close or be converted to Kmart stores.

Highpoint Shopping Centre’s Centre Manager, Cristina Persico says David Jones will transform its two-level retail space into a single-level tenancy, with the reconfiguration designed to deliver a curated product mix specific to the Highpoint customer.

“From April 2021, David Jones will occupy the Level Three premium mall space of its current floorplan, with constructions commencing on its previous Level Two floorplan in preparation for Kmart’s inception,” she says.

Kmart Australia’s Retail Director John Gualtieri says they are “proud to be bringing Kmart’s irresistibly low prices to one of the country’s biggest retail destinations.”

Target Australia will close ahead of the Kmart store opening later this year. All Target team members currently employed at Highpoint will be offered a role at the new Kmart store.

Ms Persico says Highpoint will introduce other retailers to the space now occupied by Target, with more news to come on the announcement soon.

“We are thankful for all the Target team has contributed to the centre and our customers over the years, and we are excited to support the evolution of David Jones at Highpoint,” she says.