Kmart will once again be opening its doors in Ōtepoti Dunedin, four years after the retailer shut up shop due to concerns around earthquake strengthening requirements.
The popular budget retail chain will unveil its brand-new store on Andersons Bay Road on Thursday, officially opening to the public at 8am.
The almost 5000m2 store is set to be one of the largest Kmarts in Aotearoa, boasting a refreshed layout and design. It'll mark the 27th Kmart in the country, the majority of which are in Auckland - including its largest outlet, the 24/7 Manukau Supa Centa Store, which opened last year.
The new premises will also feature free on-site parking, bike racks, street parking, click and collect services, and adjoining fast food and retail complexes such as Burger King and Mitre10.
Over 170 people have been employed as part of the new team, including Kmart Dunedin's new store manager Forrest Worthen, who brings 31 years of experience to his role.
"The excitement around this store has been undeniable - it's been over four years in the making. Both our team and our wider community are thrilled to finally have a Kmart store on their doorstep," Worthen said in a statement.
"I feel honoured to be a part of an amazing team here and am really looking forward to welcoming the community back through our doors on Thursday."
To celebrate Kmart's return to Ōtepoti, the community is invited to join the opening day festivities: there will be ceremonial speeches, free family entertainment, the cutting of the ribbon and goodie bags for the first 150 paying customers.
Kmart closed its Meridian Mall store following the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, citing concerns around required earthquake strengthening. Its intentions for Dunedin remained unknown until 2022, when work began on the new site in the south of the city.
Where: 375 Andersons Bay Road, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012.
When: 8am, Thursday, June 27; the opening ceremony and cutting of the ribbon with Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas and the Kmart team will be held at 7:30am.
What: Opening day activities will include gift bags for the first 150 paying customers, free cookies, face painting, balloon art, and a DJ.
