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Wesfarmers, the parent company of Kmart, has announced that all Kmart stores will close in New Zealand amid stringent restrictions.

This may be happening across the ditch but we reckon this may be around the corner for us…and while I am 100% behind social isolation, the thought of not getting my Kmart fix is almost inconceivable. It certainly falls under the category of essential services in my book.

Kmart Stores Will Close

Wesfarmers have informed investors that all 25 Kmart outlets in New Zealand will shut for four weeks from midnight tonight subsequent to the government’s latest announcement restricting ‘non-essential’ services.

What About Bunnings?

Another Wesfarmer brand, Bunnings, will be keeping its 53 New Zealand stores only to trade. The general public will be unable to access the hardware services during the closure.

Open For How Long?

For the moment all Wesfarmer brands (including Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Bunnings) will be open as normal in Australia. Although we reckon this too is temporary and the government may introduce harsher restrictions any time.

“At this stage, state and federal government measures in Australia do not require the closure of retail stores,” a statement from Wesfarmers reads.

“Bunnings, Kmart, Target and Officeworks stores across Australia are operating under standard or near-standard trading hours and operations continue in the Group’s industrial businesses.

Minimise Risks

“All businesses in the Group are focusing on ensuring the continued availability of products and services in a manner that minimises risks to team members and customers, including through online channels for the Group’s retail businesses.”

The company group has emphasised that “revenue from its New Zealand operations represent approximately eight per cent of the Group’s total annual revenue” so these closure would not have a significant impact on the retail organisation.

However, not all retail outlets are keeping their doors open in Australia. The Mosaic Group and Michael Hill Jewelers have announced that they will shut their doors and stand down staff as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Do you think Kmart stores will close in Australian soon? Tell us in the comments below.

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  • It sure was a crazy time and only the strongest of businesses survived

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  • K-Mart stores here in Aust. seemed to do a roaring trade during this ‘shutdown’ which didn’t happen for them.

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  • It seems that not too many Australian stores were impacted one month on.

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  • Not unless the spread gets worse

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  • It’s only a matter of time

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  • Necessary to minimise the risks

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  • I think the more people ignore social distancing and keep making unnecessary trips out, the more likely we are to have more severe closures. Just do the right thing peeps, we’re all in this together, it’s up to us to look after the at risk in our society

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  • Just get it over with here too

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  • It’s only a matter of time before Australia is in lockdown as well. I hope it doesnt need to happen but I think it’s inevitable.


    • I hope it happens sooner rather than later.

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  • I feel like it may happen here too. I understand that there is still a need for the big KMart and Big W stores for those that are still able to work and may need things you can’t get in a supermarket. However, I feel the time will come.

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  • I’d say if it’s happening in New Zealand it won’t be long before it’s here too.

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  • It’s just a matter of time before all these type of shops close.

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  • I think they have made a good move and shutting down ensures social distancing which is key in fighting the spread of the virus.

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  • It’s going to be hard going through the withdrawals but I do think Kmart, Target, Bunnings and all other stores should close down for the time being. It might make people realise that they need to stay at home in isolation to help slow down this virus. The sooner that is done the sooner we can get back to what is basically normal life.

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  • Yes. I think most retail stores should be shutting – preferably for a defined period like four weeks – now. Let’s jump to harsher restrictions and try to minimise deaths.

    Reply

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