'Sad' scenes in Target as Kmart products arriving in stores: 'I'm devastated'
Target and Kmart's merger was announced in mid-2023 but Anko products are only now starting to make their way to Target shelves.
While Aussies have been told for some time now that retail giants Kmart and Target are merging, the move is still proving difficult to process for some. And the sight of Target shelves stripped bare to make room for Kmart's Anko products has left one shopper "devastated" as the transition rolls on.
After seeing her local Target in Queensland looking empty, mum and content creator Tenielle took to TikTok to reveal the barren sight, admitting she was "not happy about" the impending change.
Yahoo News Australia has confirmed that Target will be stocking "select Anko products" from February 2024, following the announcement of the merger in July 2023. "While we are confident customers will like the curation of products, like always, we will continue to test and learn in response to customer feedback," a Target spokesperson said.
Yahoo has asked for further information on what Anko products will be stocked in Target stores and is awaiting response.
Aussies hit back at long-awaited introduction of Anko products
Despite last year's announcement, many shoppers say they did not know about the move and like Tenielle, have shared how upset they are to see the changes happening.
"This is so sad. Target has been absolutely slaying lately why ruin it now with Anko brands," one person responded online.
"I’m devastated Target stopped stocking wet n wild makeup & chi chi that was the only place that stocked them at my local (sic)," another lamented.
Others less upset about the development or who claim to work in a Target themselves tried to offer reassurance. "I'm a target worker and they definitely not becoming one store (sic). Homewares, stationery, pet and baby sections will have anko products but that's it," one said.
"Homewares hard goods and Beauty will be stocking anko products. Soft goods (clothing/accessories) and bedding is staying! Target employee," another explained.
Tradie's simple act reveals hidden defect in new Aussie houses: 'Unbelievable'
Mum's 'spiteful' act after Coles run in: 'Am I in the wrong?'
Follows announcement of $10bn merger
In July 2023, Wesfarmers, which owns Target and Kmart, announced the two would be merged into a dual-brand retail giant worth $10bn and the management of the two would become one.
The change was said to only be affecting the internal management of the two brands, with back-end support officers to manage both retailers, a Wesfarmers spokesperson confirmed at the time. The bricks-and-mortar presence of both stores is to remain largely the same, however some premises have switched brands.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
