Goodbye to Target

Target Yarrawonga Store Manager Jo Bugbird said the store would be closed for three weeks while it is transformed into a Kmart.

“We are closing the doors one last time to Target on Saturday and will reopen at 8am on February 18 as a Kmart Hub,” Ms Bugbird said. 

“As customers would have noticed, the store has been slowly shrinking as we make the transition between companies and a majority of our stock has been transported to larger Target stores.

“In this last week some stock will be marked down and we welcome customers to come in and get some of their Target favourites before the franchise leaves Yarrawonga.” 

A Target spokeswoman told the Yarrawonga Chronicle last year, the decision to close some stores while changing others had been a difficult one.

“During this difficult time, we are committed to supporting our team,” the 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.

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

“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.”

It is believed the new Kmart hub will have more of a homewares variety while clothing staples will still be available.