Australian low-price retailer Kmart has converted another Target store, this time in Charlestown near Newcastle.
This comes amid ongoing back-end synergising between both retailers, housed under Kmart Group within the Wesfarmers conglomerate.
Kmart is the larger of the two entities, having 323 stores by the end of FY25 and employing 38,000 people. Target operated 124 stores by FY25 end, and employs approximately 10,000 team members.
Two years ago, the then Kmart Group managing director Ian Bailey confirmed Kmart and Target support offices would face an internal reorganisation in a bid to align both brands more closely. In recent times, this involved pushing Anko products, founded and scaled through Kmart, into Target stores.
Bailey was quick to add that there would be no impacts to Kmart and Target stores.
The new Kmart store in Charlestown Square will house a new, next-generation concept. This includes a new store floorplan, improved product displays, self-service checkouts and Click & Collect. The entry will also include automatic gates.
The full transformation of the former Target space follows months of construction and significant investment from Charlestown Square and Kmart.
In addition to Kmart, Adidas and W Cosmetics will also open new stores at the centre.
“This is very exciting news for Charlestown Square – and especially for our customers,” the centre’s marketing manager Sarah Kane said.
“Our community has been asking for a Kmart store for a very long time, and we are thrilled to be delivering exactly that – just in time for Christmas. The new Kmart will bring even greater value, choice and convenience to families across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland.”
Kmart Group’s total revenue for FY25 was $11.4 billion, with earnings before tax at just over $1 billion. Both are up on last year.
Wesfarmers did not share performance data on Kmart and Target separately.