Kyabram Free Press

Revamp sees Kmart replace Target Country

- By Jared Prestwidge

KYABRAM’S Target Country will be converted into a Kmart hub in September.

Wesfarmers announced on Friday it would close up to 75 of its Target stores and convert another 92 to Kmart stores in a massive restructur­e of the struggling discount department chain.

A Target spokespers­on said the decision was not made lightly.

‘‘We believe Target has a future as a leading retailer in Australia and we know it is loved by so many, but a number of actions are required to ensure it is fit for purpose in a competitiv­e, challengin­g and dynamic market, including a smaller number of stores and a stronger online business,’’ the spokespers­on said.

Echuca’s Target Country will be changed to a Kmart hub in July.

The company said it was taking the necessary steps to ensure staff were looked after during the transforma­tion.

‘‘Across the Kmart Group we have made a significan­t effort to avoid store closures and retain our people and for impacted store team members we have the benefit of time to help find alternativ­e

❝All team members in Target stores scheduled for conversion will be offered the opportunit­y to join the growing Kmart team.❞

employment opportunit­ies,’’ the company said in a statement.

Staff at closing Target stores could be moved to one of Wesfarmers’ other brands, such as Kmart or Officework­s.

‘‘All team members in Target stores scheduled for conversion will be offered the opportunit­y to join the growing Kmart team,’’ the statement read.

‘‘For other affected Target team members, we will work with them to identify and offer other redeployme­nt opportunit­ies in Kmart, Catch, Bunnings and Officework­s as these businesses continue to grow.’’

 ??  ?? Kyabram’s Target Country store will become Kmart in September under a massive overhaul by retailing conglomera­te Wesfarmers.
Kyabram’s Target Country store will become Kmart in September under a massive overhaul by retailing conglomera­te Wesfarmers.

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