We all know Kmart is a go-to when it comes to buying homewares or kids toys, but did you know the company also has its very own cult-status brand?

Say hello to Anko, a range of products that have become increasingly popular, thanks to social media.

The thing is, though, some Aussies still don’t know what the whole Anko thing is all about.

Are you ready to know all the nitty-gritty details? Grab a cup of tea, lean back and let us tell you all about it.

Anko has become a cult-status brand of Kmart. Credit: news.com.au

First things first, you’re probably wondering what the name means; does it mean anything? Of course it does! Anko is an abbreviation for 'A New Kind Of' as well as being a condensed version of Kmart’s previous '&Co' branding.

Back in 2018, the company made the announcement that it would be discontinuing the old departmental names and creating a single identifiable label to simplify its branding.

'Anko is an evolution of our existing “&Co” brands: Home&Co, Kids&Co, Clothing&Co and Active&Co', the firm said.

'We’ve used “k” in the name to pay homage to where it all started—Kmart Australia.'

Every year, more than a billion Anko products are sold.

So, is Anko just a label Kmart puts on externally sourced products? Yes and no, apparently. According to a Kmart spokesperson, Anko is the firm’s very own brand as well as their product development arm.

'[Anko] has a unique business model as an Australian design-based product development company', they said.

Anko has expanded into overseas markets. Credit: Pexels

The majority of Anko products are made in other countries like China, India and Bangladesh. However, their design and buying are done in-house right here in Australia.

Perhaps as a testament to its growth, the label has now expanded into countries such as Canada and India.

Kmart Group’s parent company, Wesfarmers, is even planning on stocking some items in its Target stores here in Australia too, with a target launch of early 2024.

Wesfarmers has also made plans to merge Kmart and Target. While this merger is to reorganise their support offices, the parent company ensures this step deliver even greater value to our customers in the future and to offer an impressive and satisfying retail experience.

Another tidbit worth mentioning is Kmart’s Anko Capability Centre based in Bangalore, India.

Apparently, their team works on technology, data sciences and business services to support the Kmart and Target businesses.

This is all likely just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the success of Anko.

Key Takeaways

• Anko is Kmart’s own brand that has gained significant popularity, particularly on social media platforms.
• The name Anko is an acronym for 'A New Kind Of' and is also an abbreviation of Kmart’s previous '&Co' branding.
• While Kmart handles the design and buying in-house, most of the company’s products are sourced from countries like China, India and Bangladesh.
• Even though Anko was originally exclusive to Kmart, it has now expanded into greater markets, including Canada, India, and several other countries.
• Wesfarmers is planning to stock some items in Target stores in Australia.

What a great success story for an unassuming little brand! To see them having such a great year, and becoming global players just goes to show what a great lighting rod for innovation and progress they can be.

Hopefully, Anko will remain a viable option for Aussies and fashionable customers worldwide from here on out.

Do you have a favourite Anko item? What can you say about the overall quality of their products? Tell us more about them in the comments below!

 

[Cyberchook]

I was forced to endure 6 weeks ( that was unexpected) waiting for a new microwave to be 'fixed' so bought an ANKO one for under $50 to use until it was returned. I was delighted with this cheap item, it is a bit noisy but cheerful and does what it is supposed to. I am sure it also has a limited life, but it beat the $599 one for the first off the rank, in performance for basic microwave uses and is ideal for furnished rentals and minimum users. Mine is back in the box waiting for any other emergency or use..

 

[janj]

i bought a small one a couple of years ago and still works great