Shoppers at Mount Gravatt are the first in Australia to experience Kmart’s bold new store makeover, as the retail giant shifts its focus to younger customers and battles growing competition from online sellers.
A New Way To Shop
Kmart’s Mount Gravatt store was quietly transformed in late 2024 as the first trial site for a new layout that could reshape stores nationwide. Fashion and beauty now feature prominently at the front, while bulky goods like bikes and car seats have moved to back-of-house storage, available via click-and-collect.
The change targets younger shoppers, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who increasingly turn to online retailers like Temu and Shein. Managing director Aleks Spaseska said Kmart hopes the updated layout and stronger fashion offering will keep this group coming through the doors. Early results show increased sales in clothing and beauty, prompting the company to trial the layout in four more stores.
Local Store At The Centre Of A Big Shift
Mount Gravatt locals are the first to experience Kmart’s new store format, placing the suburb at the centre of a national retail trial. Known for its busy shopping precinct and family-friendly vibe, the area was chosen for its strong performance.
Shoppers will find a fresher layout with easy access to fashion and electronics, while bulky items are now available through online order and in-store pickup. The move highlights Kmart’s confidence in Mount Gravatt as a key testing ground.
A Bigger Plan For Growth
Kmart’s Mount Gravatt trial is part of a broader push to nearly double its annual sales from $10 billion to $20 billion. The company is expanding its low-cost home brand, Anko, with plans for stand-alone stores in Southeast Asia, starting in the Philippines.
At the same time, it’s building a new online marketplace and improving its app, which now has over 1.3 million monthly users. These efforts aim to grow Kmart’s reach both at home and overseas.
Behind The Scenes Investments
To keep up with these changes, Kmart is building a major $200 million distribution centre in western Sydney. This new facility will serve both Kmart and sister brand Target, making it easier to move stock and handle online orders.
The company says all of these moves are designed to help it stay competitive and make everyday goods more accessible to families. While rivals like Big W and traditional department stores face tough times, Kmart sees an opportunity to adapt, and it’s starting with Mount Gravatt.
Published 3-June-2025
