Wesfarmers has rebranded its department stores division to Kmart Group.
The rebrand was announced during Wesfarmers' 2019 half-year results presentation.
Wesfarmers MD Rob Scott said the move reflected the transition of its brands, Kmart and Target, away from the traditional department store model.
During the half year, Kmart Group revenue increased 0.8%o $4.6 billion while earnings were 3.8% lower at $383 million.
"Kmart’s earnings declined compared to the prior corresponding period primarily due to weaker sales in apparel, lower growth in non - seasonal products and increased store and supply chain expenses,” Scott said. “Despite these challenges customer feedback remained strong and was reflected in increased units sold during the half.
“Target delivered earnings growth through improved trading margins reflecting increased levels of direct sourcing, an improved sales mix and the benefit of annualised cost savings received during the half."
The Kmart Group (formerly known as the Department Stores division) comprises the Kmart and Target businesses and operates 531 stores across Australia and New Zealand and employs more than 46,000 team members.