Target to move by Xmas
TARGET has confirmed it will leave its North Geelong base before Christmas, as it closes in on a future use for its long-term headquarters.
The company has not settled on a specific opening for its Williams Landing site, but has confirmed it will be in December.
“We will let you know when we have a firm date,” a Target spokeswoman said, revealing the plan for the North Geelong property would be revealed soon.
The spokeswoman said there would not be an ongoing transition period once the Williams Landing complex was opened.
Target signed a 10-year lease on the new $37 million eight-level office building, which is almost complete.
It is next to the Williams Landing train station, which offers express services to Melbourne but does not cater to Geelong commuters.
The floundering retailer announced in April 2016 it would be leaving its long-term base in Geelong and establishing in Melbourne.
Target boss Guy Russo said at the time a regional location for its national headquarters was holding it back from being able to build a profitable business.
In the interim, Target has allowed staff to work between the Thompson Rd site and hotdesk offices in Melbourne.
The company has a 92-year history in Geelong, dating to when founders George Lind- say and Alex McKenzie opened their first store.
After a series of redundancies at the North Geelong office, the chain has been unable to arrest its slide.
With about half of its 305 Australian stores running at a loss, parent company Wesfarmers last month revealed plans to drop 20 per cent of Target’s store space footprint within five years.
Mr Russo said Target’s unprofitable outlets would be closed when their leases expired.