When Target first made the big announcement that they would be closing some Target stores and rebranding others to Kmart, I didn’t worry too much. My beloved local wasn’t in the initial list they released last year. BUT Target has now updated the list and I’m devastated (and shocked) to see that my beloved Target store is getting the chop.

Last year, we reported that Wesfarmers were looking at converting 92 large format Target stores and Target Country stores into Kmart branches, while around 75 Target stores are expected to shut its doors permanently.

The company said that this move is to “improve the commercial viability of the business and to support the thousands of people we employ.” The organisation aims “to make it smaller, more focused, less complex and more digitally enabled so we can better serve our customers both instore and online.”

Some of the changes already took place last year, while the majority of the shake-up is going to be actioned over the next few months.

Target has recently updated its website with all the stores that will be affected by these changes and there have been some updates from last year.

There are a large number of Target stores that will be closing their doors forever. The full list is below:

TARGET STORES WHICH WILL BE CLOSING

VIC

Early-mid 2021

Bacchus Marsh, Bairnsdale, Benalla, Colac, Kerang, Langwarrin, Maryborough, Myrtleford, Traralgon, Warragul

NSW

Early 2021

Goonellabah, Murwillumbah

Early-mid 2021

Armidale, Casino Retail Centre, Cooma, Cootamundra, Corowa, Deniliquin, Forbes, Merimbula, Morisset, Narrabri, Nowra, Salamander Bay, Scone, Wagga Wagga, Winmalee

QLD

Early 2021

Atherton, Biloela, Castletown, Hervey Bay, Kippa Ring

Early-mid 2021

Beaudesert, Cairns, Clifton Beach, Emerald, Longreach, Murgon, Moranbah

WA

Early-mid 2021

Karratha, Kununurra, Manjimup, Margaret River, Merredin, Narrogin.

SA

Early 2021

Millicent, Port Lincoln

Early-mid 2021

Clare, Naracoorte

TAS

Early-mid 2021

Devonport

ACT

Early-mid 2021

Weston Creek

There are also a number of Target stores that will be converted into Kmarts. This is part of Wesfarmer’s bigger plans to “accelerate the growth of Kmart”, which also includes investing more heavily in its online platform.

TARGET STORES THAT WILL BE CONVERTED INTO KMART

NSW

Early 2021

Bondi Junction, Bowral, Gunnedah, Katoomba, Macquarie, Miranda, Moree, Mudgee, Ocean Shores Village Centre, Picton, Rhodes, Rouse Hill, Tumut, Ulladulla, Windsor Town, Yamba, Yass

Early-Mid 2021

Bega, Broken Hill

Mid 2021

Liverpool, Warringah Mall,

VIC

Early 2021

Craigieburn, Doncaster, Hamilton, Lakes Entrance, Leongatha, Mansfield, Portland, Swan Hill, Yarrawonga

Early-Mid 2021

Ararat, Epping, Watergardens

Late 2021

Caroline Springs

WA

Early 2021

Esperance, Northam, Pinjarra

Early-Mid 2021

Geraldton

Mid 2021

Perth CBD, Whitford City

SA

Early 2021

Berri, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor

QLD

Early 2021

Bowen, Charters Towers, Chinchilla, Dalby, Forrest Lake, Gatton, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Ingham, Mareeba, Noosa Junction, Port Douglas, Roma, Sarina, Stanthorpe, Warwick, Yeppoon.

Early-Mid 2021

Ayr, Beerwah

NT

Early 2021

Katherine

What Will Happen To Target Staff?

“Target team members impacted by store closures will be given priority consideration for new roles created in Kmart and Catch as these businesses continue to grow. In addition, Wesfarmers has established a cross-divisional working group to identify redeployment opportunities for affected team members, including in Bunnings and Officeworks. Where there are no Wesfarmers businesses in town, we’re also working with other employers to try and find opportunities for our team. Target team members who are unable to be redeployed will be provided with access to support services, along with all entitlements.”

So there’s going to be a lot of changes in the Target/Kmart space this year. But I better sign off and head for a Target shop before it closes down forever.

Are any of your local Target stores affected by these changes? Are you happy/sad/don’t care? Tell us in the comments below.