New K hub stores open in Victoria, selling Kmart and Target products

A new concept, low-cost retailer has begun taking the place of underperforming Target stores in a major overhaul set to combine products from Kmart, Catch and Target.

Parent company Wesfarmers announced in May its retail businesses would undergo a major restructure as its previous model was proving “unsustainable”.

Some customers got their first glimpse of changes last week, with revamped K hub stores in Victoria opening their doors for the first time ever.

A K hub, offering Kmart and Target products, and soon to stock Catch goods opened in former Target Country outlets in Cobram, Echuca, and Seymour – all located in northern Victoria.

Each location is currently subject to Stage 3 coronavirus restrictions.

They were the first of 52 Target Country stores and up to 40 large format Target stores set to be converted into K hubs across the country within the next year.

“As a business, we’re committed to opening stores in new communities so that we can reach even more people – and a little over a week ago, we were excited to introduce the communities of Cobram, Echuca and Seymour to our brand new concept K hub stores,” John Gualtieri, Retail Director Kmart Australia and New Zealand, said.

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Mr Gualtieri said to avoid inconveniencing communities by closing stores, they were being given a “light touch” makeover to reflect the new branding.

“Our priority is getting these stores up and running, so that people still have easy access to the products they need,” he said in a statement to Yahoo News Australia.

“For now, we’ve taken our most popular Kmart products across kids, home and clothing; and brought them to life in a new way. A curated collection inspired for a smaller format store, with bigger convenience in mind.”

Customers of the K hub stores will have access to “Kmart and Target’s full product range online and have items delivered straight to their door”, Mr Gualtieri said.

“We’ll be extending this service later in the year to include our friends at Catch… so think of K hub as your one-stop shop for all your favourite Kmart, Target and Catch products.”

All previous Target team members will have the opportunity to remain in stores as Kmart employees.

NSW locations to convert to K hubs

• Bega

• Bowral

• Gunnedah

• Katoomba

• Moree

• Mudgee

• Ocean Shores Village

• Picton

• Tumut

• Ulladulla

• Windsor Town

• Yamba

• Yass

Victoria locations to convert to K hubs

• Ararat

• Castlemaine

• Cobram

• Echuca

• Hamilton

• Kyabram

• Lakes Entrance

• Leongatha

• Mansfield

• Portland

• Woodend

• Yarrawonga

Queensland locations to convert to K hubs

• Ayr

• Beerwah

• Bowen

• Charters Towers

• Chinchilla

• Dalby

• Gatton

• Gympie

• Ingham

• Mareeba

• Noosa Junction

• Port Douglas

• Roma

• Sarina

• Stanthorpe

• Warwick

• Yeppoon

South Australia locations to convert to K hubs

• Berri

• Murray Bridge

• Port Augusta

• Victor Harbor

Northern Territory locations to convert to K hubs

• Katherine

Western Australia locations to convert to K hubs

• Esperance

• Goondiwindi

• Northam

• Pinjarra

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