The Target store switching to fancy new Kmart

A former Target store will reopen as a new-look Kmart, giving a Melbourne suburb its first version of the popular retailer.

The new Camberwell Kmart store replaces the existing Target store. It will be the first Kmart store in the area.

The former large scale Target store in Camberwell has been transformed into a new look Kmart set to reopen Thursday.

It will be the first ever Kmart store in the area and continues the move to shut or convert up to 167 under performing Target stores across Australia.

Ben Smith, Kmart Group General Manager of Property, says while Target has a rich history in Camberwell, opening in November 1972 and moving into its current location in the 1990s, he hopes to continue the relationship with customers with the new Kmart store.

More than 100 previous Target team members have transferred across to the Kmart team and they have recruited an additional 38 team members from the local community.

Underperforming Target stores have been converted or shut.

“This will be our very first store in Camberwell. Our team have been working hard to bring this new store to life, in fact they’ve been completing refit works at the previous Target store for a number of weeks now,” he says.

“We know Camberwell is a strong performing hub with good demographics, and we think it will be a great fit for Kmart. The store will help fill a current network gap, with neighbouring stores in Richmond and Burwood.”

He says they are expecting interest in the opening Thursday and over the weekend, which is why they have implemented external crowd control and security.

“We can’t wait to welcome the wider community into this new-look Kmart store, but the health and safety of our customers and team members remains our number one priority. We also have new COVID Safety marshals to ensure all safety regulations are upheld and to ensure our stores do not exceed their maximum capacity,” he says.

The former Target Store in Camberwell.

“Our team have been working hard to bring this colourful new store to life and we’re proud to share it with the local community just in time for Christmas. It’s stocked full of great value, on-trend products that we know our customers are going to absolutely love.”

Since Target made the announcement to transform their store network, with a smaller number of stores and a focus on a stronger online business, back in May they have successfully converted 12 standard Kmart stores as well as 7 new-concept and smaller format K hub stores (these have replaced existing Target Country stores).

There have been three Kmart conversions in Wonthaggi, Casey and Camberwell, as well as seven K-hub conversions in Cobram, Echuca, Seymour, Kyabram, Castlemaine, Woodend and Bairnsdale.

The new Kmart Camberwell store will open Thursday from 8am.

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