Kmart has announced plans to open its largest store in New Zealand, a massive 6,700-square-meter outlet located in Auckland’s Westgate area. The Australasian retail chain is set to operate 24/7 and will be situated directly across from American-owned Costco on a newly designated street called Maki Place.
“This is testament to the strong traction the Kmart brand has amongst New Zealand consumers, particularly at a time when customers are seeking out value,” Kmart Australia and New Zealand chief executive John Gualtieri said.
Mark Gunton, chairman of New Zealand Retail Property Group (NZRPG), which oversees Westgate, stated:
“We have consistently received community feedback asking for a Kmart in Westgate, and we are thrilled to finally deliver on that promise.”
“Westgate Town Centre has evolved into one of New Zealand’s premier retail destinations, hosting major retailers like Costco, Bunnings, Mitre 10, and Pak’n Save. The addition of Kmart helps solidify Westgate’s status as a leading retail hub.”
Kmart will offer its largest selection of affordable homeware, furniture, electronics, toys, and clothing at the new store, along with wider aisles and bold graphics, all aligned with the owner’s mantra of “dropping prices again to make life a little easier.”
Other Kmart stores are situated at Albany, Ashburton, Auckland, Bayfair, Bethlehem, Blenheim, Botany, Dunedin, Hamilton, Hastings, Henderson, Invercargill, Manukau, Napier, Palmerston North, Papanui, Papatoetoe, Petone, Porirua, Queenstown, Riccarton, Richmond, Rotorua, St Lukes, Sylvia Park, Te Rapa, Whakatane, and Whangārei.
Approximately 240 staff members will be hired at the new store, which is expected to open in 2026.
