Target Country stores in Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi will be converted to Kmart outlets as part of a major retail shakeup within the Wesfarmers group which owns both chains.
While it’s good news for our region, around 75 Target outlets across Australia will close for good causing thousands of job losses.
The Target brand nationally – and Target Country, smaller-format stores in regional areas – has struggled financially in recent years and compounded by COVID-19.
The Kmart re-brandings and store closures affect about two-thirds of Target’s 284 stores nationally.
“The actions … reflect our continued focus on investing in Kmart, a business with a compelling customer offer and strong competitive advantages, while also improving the viability of Target,” Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott said in a statement.
“For some time now the retail sector has seen significant structural change and disruption, and we expect this trend to continue.”
Wesfarmers has given no specific timeframe for the new Kmart openings in Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi other than stating that the Target closures will happen in “early 2021”.
