Shoppers in disbelief as Target fills aisles with Kmart items—find out why people are upset!

The Australian retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, and for many loyal customers, the changes are hitting close to home.

The recent sight of Kmart's Anko products on the shelves of Target stores has sparked a wave of nostalgia and disappointment among shoppers who have long cherished each brand's unique offerings.

As the two retail giants merge, emotions are running high, with some customers expressing their dismay on social media.


The merger, announced by Wesfarmers in July 2023, is a strategic move to create a dual-brand retail powerhouse with a combined worth of $10 billion.

While the merger is primarily focused on streamlining internal management and back-end support for both retailers, the impact on the shop floor is becoming increasingly visible.

In Queensland, a mum and content creator named Tenielle captured the stark reality of the transition on social media, showing her local Target's shelves stripped bare in preparation for the arrival of Kmart's Anko products.


Screenshot 2024-01-09 114505.png
An Aussie mum was devastated seeing her local Target store empty, while being prepared to stock Kmart’s Anko products. Image: TikTok/@tenbunny


The video, which revealed the 'sad' scenes, resonated with many who felt a sense of loss over the change.

A news source confirmed that from February 2024, Target will begin stocking select Anko products.

‘While we are confident customers will like the curation of products, like always, we will continue to test and learn in response to customer feedback,’ a Target spokesperson said.


The reaction online has been mixed, with some customers mourning the loss of brands like Wet n Wild makeup and Chi Chi.

Others, however, are trying to offer reassurance. People claiming to be Target employees have taken to social media to clarify that the stores are not becoming one entity but will incorporate Anko products in specific sections such as homewares, stationery, pet, and baby.

Despite these assurances, the emotional attachment to Target's unique identity is evident. For decades, Target has been a staple in the Australian retail market, known for its quality clothing, accessories, and home goods.

The introduction of Kmart's Anko brand into Target stores represents a shift that some customers are struggling to embrace.

While the physical presence of the stores is intended to remain largely unchanged, with only some premises switching brands, the blending of product lines is a clear indication that the retail experience for customers will evolve.


As the transition continues, it's important for shoppers to voice their opinions and for the companies to listen.

The success of this merger will depend on the ability of Wesfarmers to maintain the loyalty of its customer base while navigating the complexities of combining two beloved brands.

For those feeling the impact of these changes, it's a reminder that the retail world is ever-evolving. While change can be challenging, it also brings new opportunities.

Perhaps the integration of Anko products will introduce Target customers to new favorites, even as they bid farewell to some cherished aspects of the shopping experience they've known.

You can watch Tenielle’s full video below:


Source: TikTok/@tenbunny​


Key Takeaways
  • Target shelves are being cleared to make room for Kmart's Anko products, leaving some shoppers disappointed.
  • Target will begin stocking select Anko products starting from February 2024 following the announcement of the merger between Kmart and Target in July 2023.
  • Shoppers have expressed their sadness online, with some not being aware of the merger and upset by the reduction in Target's product range.
  • Although the two brands are merging, Wesfarmers has confirmed that Target and Kmart will continue to operate as separate store fronts, with some Target employees providing reassurance that only certain sections of the stores will stock Anko products.

If you've visited a Target store recently and noticed the changes, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Are you excited about the new products, or do you share the sentiment of those who are nostalgic for the Target of old? Share your stories and let's navigate this retail evolution!
 
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There are hardly any Target stores around.

We had a target store in our local shopping centre being Centro Roselands and that closed maybe 4 years ago so kmart could open .

Bankstown Target store also closed down.

I actually found that Target started becoming expensive , yes kmart is cheaper but quality is poorer.
Hopefully combining the two prices abd quality will be in the middle . Wishful thinking 🤔
 
We have Kmart and Target in Westfield Coomera for clothes and bedding Target was always better quality but lately it’s been less quality and more price. You have to spend a lot these days for decent quality. Target used to sell decent well priced business wear now you can’t buy good priced zip pants there only pull on ones. My daughter had to pay almost $100 for work pants with a zip !! At other retailers.
 
The Australian retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, and for many loyal customers, the changes are hitting close to home.

The recent sight of Kmart's Anko products on the shelves of Target stores has sparked a wave of nostalgia and disappointment among shoppers who have long cherished each brand's unique offerings.

As the two retail giants merge, emotions are running high, with some customers expressing their dismay on social media.


The merger, announced by Wesfarmers in July 2023, is a strategic move to create a dual-brand retail powerhouse with a combined worth of $10 billion.

While the merger is primarily focused on streamlining internal management and back-end support for both retailers, the impact on the shop floor is becoming increasingly visible.

In Queensland, a mum and content creator named Tenielle captured the stark reality of the transition on social media, showing her local Target's shelves stripped bare in preparation for the arrival of Kmart's Anko products.


View attachment 38899
An Aussie mum was devastated seeing her local Target store empty, while being prepared to stock Kmart’s Anko products. Image: TikTok/@tenbunny


The video, which revealed the 'sad' scenes, resonated with many who felt a sense of loss over the change.

A news source confirmed that from February 2024, Target will begin stocking select Anko products.

‘While we are confident customers will like the curation of products, like always, we will continue to test and learn in response to customer feedback,’ a Target spokesperson said.


The reaction online has been mixed, with some customers mourning the loss of brands like Wet n Wild makeup and Chi Chi.

Others, however, are trying to offer reassurance. People claiming to be Target employees have taken to social media to clarify that the stores are not becoming one entity but will incorporate Anko products in specific sections such as homewares, stationery, pet, and baby.

Despite these assurances, the emotional attachment to Target's unique identity is evident. For decades, Target has been a staple in the Australian retail market, known for its quality clothing, accessories, and home goods.

The introduction of Kmart's Anko brand into Target stores represents a shift that some customers are struggling to embrace.

While the physical presence of the stores is intended to remain largely unchanged, with only some premises switching brands, the blending of product lines is a clear indication that the retail experience for customers will evolve.


As the transition continues, it's important for shoppers to voice their opinions and for the companies to listen.

The success of this merger will depend on the ability of Wesfarmers to maintain the loyalty of its customer base while navigating the complexities of combining two beloved brands.

For those feeling the impact of these changes, it's a reminder that the retail world is ever-evolving. While change can be challenging, it also brings new opportunities.

Perhaps the integration of Anko products will introduce Target customers to new favorites, even as they bid farewell to some cherished aspects of the shopping experience they've known.

You can watch Tenielle’s full video below:


Source: TikTok/@tenbunny​


Key Takeaways

  • Target shelves are being cleared to make room for Kmart's Anko products, leaving some shoppers disappointed.
  • Target will begin stocking select Anko products starting from February 2024 following the announcement of the merger between Kmart and Target in July 2023.
  • Shoppers have expressed their sadness online, with some not being aware of the merger and upset by the reduction in Target's product range.
  • Although the two brands are merging, Wesfarmers has confirmed that Target and Kmart will continue to operate as separate store fronts, with some Target employees providing reassurance that only certain sections of the stores will stock Anko products.

If you've visited a Target store recently and noticed the changes, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Are you excited about the new products, or do you share the sentiment of those who are nostalgic for the Target of old? Share your stories and let's navigate this retail evolution!

Yeah pretty disappointed with Kmart. They were supposed to be going to buy everything from Vietnam but still the ANKO junk from China on the shelves. I bought some very nice ceramic containers with bamboo lids. Nicely decorated, blue with palms in white, green cross patterns and also native flowers. All gone, replaced with very cheap plastic junk. Need to up their game
 
I used to shop a lot at Target a long, long time ago but found the quality diminished gradually. I look at their website now & then, mainly if I need toys for my nephews or novels etc but I haven’t ever really shopped at Kmart. It’s disappointing that we have to search high & low for good quality items. Launceston used to have a lot of really good stores selling knitwear, manchester etc but they all closed many years ago. So much stuff is shoddy, nothing is made to last anymore.
 
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Reactions: Jarred Santos
The Australian retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, and for many loyal customers, the changes are hitting close to home.

The recent sight of Kmart's Anko products on the shelves of Target stores has sparked a wave of nostalgia and disappointment among shoppers who have long cherished each brand's unique offerings.

As the two retail giants merge, emotions are running high, with some customers expressing their dismay on social media.


The merger, announced by Wesfarmers in July 2023, is a strategic move to create a dual-brand retail powerhouse with a combined worth of $10 billion.

While the merger is primarily focused on streamlining internal management and back-end support for both retailers, the impact on the shop floor is becoming increasingly visible.

In Queensland, a mum and content creator named Tenielle captured the stark reality of the transition on social media, showing her local Target's shelves stripped bare in preparation for the arrival of Kmart's Anko products.


View attachment 38899
An Aussie mum was devastated seeing her local Target store empty, while being prepared to stock Kmart’s Anko products. Image: TikTok/@tenbunny


The video, which revealed the 'sad' scenes, resonated with many who felt a sense of loss over the change.

A news source confirmed that from February 2024, Target will begin stocking select Anko products.

‘While we are confident customers will like the curation of products, like always, we will continue to test and learn in response to customer feedback,’ a Target spokesperson said.


The reaction online has been mixed, with some customers mourning the loss of brands like Wet n Wild makeup and Chi Chi.

Others, however, are trying to offer reassurance. People claiming to be Target employees have taken to social media to clarify that the stores are not becoming one entity but will incorporate Anko products in specific sections such as homewares, stationery, pet, and baby.

Despite these assurances, the emotional attachment to Target's unique identity is evident. For decades, Target has been a staple in the Australian retail market, known for its quality clothing, accessories, and home goods.

The introduction of Kmart's Anko brand into Target stores represents a shift that some customers are struggling to embrace.

While the physical presence of the stores is intended to remain largely unchanged, with only some premises switching brands, the blending of product lines is a clear indication that the retail experience for customers will evolve.


As the transition continues, it's important for shoppers to voice their opinions and for the companies to listen.

The success of this merger will depend on the ability of Wesfarmers to maintain the loyalty of its customer base while navigating the complexities of combining two beloved brands.

For those feeling the impact of these changes, it's a reminder that the retail world is ever-evolving. While change can be challenging, it also brings new opportunities.

Perhaps the integration of Anko products will introduce Target customers to new favorites, even as they bid farewell to some cherished aspects of the shopping experience they've known.

You can watch Tenielle’s full video below:


Source: TikTok/@tenbunny​


Key Takeaways

  • Target shelves are being cleared to make room for Kmart's Anko products, leaving some shoppers disappointed.
  • Target will begin stocking select Anko products starting from February 2024 following the announcement of the merger between Kmart and Target in July 2023.
  • Shoppers have expressed their sadness online, with some not being aware of the merger and upset by the reduction in Target's product range.
  • Although the two brands are merging, Wesfarmers has confirmed that Target and Kmart will continue to operate as separate store fronts, with some Target employees providing reassurance that only certain sections of the stores will stock Anko products.

If you've visited a Target store recently and noticed the changes, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Are you excited about the new products, or do you share the sentiment of those who are nostalgic for the Target of old? Share your stories and let's navigate this retail evolution!

No mystery, Westfarmers made it quite public they were doing away with Target and opening a number of the stores under K mart as Target was struggling and Kmart was more profitable.
 
There are hardly any Target stores around.

We had a target store in our local shopping centre being Centro Roselands and that closed maybe 4 years ago so kmart could open .

Bankstown Target store also closed down.

I actually found that Target started becoming expensive , yes kmart is cheaper but quality is poorer.
Hopefully combining the two prices abd quality will be in the middle . Wishful thinking 🤔
Same happened to Dubbo. I went to K-Mart once. Could not abide this nonsense of having to line up in the middle of the shop to pay for goods then line up at the door to prove that I paid for them. Never been there since & have no intention of going ever again. I used to shop regularly at Target because I found the quality & price to be good but K-Mart quality is really poor. Back to the sewing machine to make more of my own clothes - including underwear which I can make better & cheaper than K-Mart.
 
Looed this up today :

Australia's Wesfarmers to merge discount stores Kmart and Target​

Reuters
July 25, 2023

So what's the big deal about this article when both businesses are under the same ownership banner? Five minutes of fame again for the lady!!
 
Looed this up today :

Australia's Wesfarmers to merge discount stores Kmart and Target​

Reuters
July 25, 2023

So what's the big deal about this article when both businesses are under the same ownership banner? Five minutes of fame again for the lady!!
Maybe they are under the same ownership banner but the quality of the goods is vastly different. There are things I have bought from Target for many, many years. K-Mart do not have the same products & what they do have that are similar are of a vastly poorer quality.
 
target used to have better qualiy linen and menswear. of late, both are poor quality. well kmart is currently the apple of greedy wesfarmers board eyes and their greedy shareholders. kmart does have some nice homewares at cheap prices and some poor quality clothes at cheap prices. soon they will be competing with red dot and cheap as chips for australian misers dollar. WHO CARES ABOUT THE SLAVE LABOUR IN VIETNAM OR CHINA OR BANGLADESH?
 
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Reactions: PattiB
Some Target stores have changed to a Coles supermarket.
Target stores near me aren't very busy, unlike Kmart with queues at the checkouts.
 
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Reactions: PattiB
Looed this up today :

Australia's Wesfarmers to merge discount stores Kmart and Target​

Reuters
July 25, 2023

So what's the big deal about this article when both businesses are under the same ownership banner? Five minutes of fame again for the lady!!
I think people are wondering what quality they will have once they combine both stores are like chalk n cheese
 
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Reactions: PattiB
what is the difference? , same old same old in both stores. I thought one purchased what they wanted, where from is irrelevant.
Some Shopping Centres don't have both stores so shoppers can't shop from both.

Also, TARGET stock has been markedly different to Kmart's ANKO items that are generally lower in quality.

The change means that customers' choice will be reduced when they can only buy ANKO items from either store.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Looed this up today :

Australia's Wesfarmers to merge discount stores Kmart and Target​

Reuters
July 25, 2023

So what's the big deal about this article when both businesses are under the same ownership banner? Five minutes of fame again for the lady!!
Reduction in choice of goods available.

Both stores will offer ANKO despite the stores' name.
 
Maybe they are under the same ownership banner but the quality of the goods is vastly different. There are things I have bought from Target for many, many years. K-Mart do not have the same products & what they do have that are similar are of a vastly poorer quality.
Agree absolutely.
 
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Reactions: PattiB

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