Kmart opens New Zealand’s first 24/7 store

Kiwis will soon be able to shop at Kmart 24/7 when the retailer’s newly refurbished Sylvia Park store opens on August 15.

The retailer is billing the store as the first department store in the country to stay open 24 hours a day.

“For us, it’s about offering better support to New Zealand families who are busy balancing work, family and leisure commitments; and more convenience for shift workers and people working non-traditional business hours,” said Jason Picard, Kmart New Zealand country manager, in a statement about the launch.

Kmart entered the New Zealand market in 1988 and now has more than 200 stores across Australia and New Zealand. The 5000sqm Sylvia Park store will be the retailer’s seventh location in Auckland when it reopens next month in the space formerly occupied by Countdown Supermarket.

“At Kmart, we want to make everyday living brighter for our customers, whether that means creating on-trend products at everyday low-prices everyone can enjoy, opening stores in new communities or extending operating hours to make shopping more convenient,” Picard said.

“We want our customer experience with the brand to be a really positive one, which is why we are proud to offer click and collect services across our entire New Zealand store network; and why we are constantly expanding our online offer.”

Helen Ronald, Sylvia Park centre manager, said the shopping centre was “proud to be working with retailers like Kmart that are pushing the boundaries”.

“This really reinforces Sylvia Park’s standing as New Zealand’s favourite shopping destination.”

In the last year, the shopping centre has added 600 new car parks, ANZ Raranga and its first office tower. Once the Galleria expansion is complete in 2020, it will have 60 new stores and nearly 5000 car parks.

Kmart Sylvia Park will open on August 15, celebrating the occasion with a series of family fun activities staggered throughout the day.

Entertainment will include prize giveaways, face painting from 4pm, a late-night market, and interactive workshops hosted by the Kmart team.

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