MILDURA’S Target store won’t be closed or converted to a Kmart store, according to a list posted on the Target website posted on Saturday morning, but no final decision has been made.
A Target spokesperson said the company was in discussion with landlords and would confirm once a decision has been made.
On Friday, parent company Wesfarmers announced a host of Target stores would be shut or converted in a major restructure.
Wesfarmers said between 10 and 40 of its large-format Target stores would be converted to Kmarts, subject to landlord support.
Between 10 and 25 large-format Target stores would close, the company said.
The closures were also expected to include 50 Target Country stores, while about 52 of those smaller outlets would be converted to Kmarts.
Wesfarmers was contacted for comment on how Mildura’s Target store might be affected, but declined to reveal the status of individual stores.
“During this difficult time, we are committed to supporting our team,” a Target spokeswoman said.
“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 employment opportunities.”
Target has a store at Mildura Central, while an existing Kmart is on Eighth Street.
Wesfarmers initiated a review into the underperforming network of Target stores, which had identified the measures announced on Friday.
The changes were expected to be implemented over the next 12 months, with the majority occurring in early 2021.
At stores to be converted, staff will be offered employment with Kmart.
Efforts will be made for staff of stores set to shut to be redeployed at other stores within Wesfarmers’ retail group, which includes Bunnings and Officeworks.
“We believe that 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 Target spokeswoman said.
