Kmart Australia is overhauling its store layout, moving cash registers back to store entrances across 40 locations by the 2026/27 financial year. According to Kmart Group managing director Aleksandra Spaseska, the “Plan C+” format is already operational in 16 stores, aiming to boost sales through improved cross-shopping and store navigation. This shift marks a reversal of the retailer’s 2012–2015 strategy, which placed registers in the center of the floor—a move that drew significant customer criticism.
Why is Kmart returning to front-of-store registers?
Kmart is reverting to a traditional entrance-exit gate model because data suggests it improves visual merchandising and increases basket size. Spaseska reported that the new layout encourages shoppers to engage with more departments, directly driving higher sales volumes. By moving registers to the front, the retailer clears floor space for better product displays, addressing long-standing complaints from shoppers who found the previous mid-store register placement confusing.
The “Plan C+” format isn’t just about registers. It also integrates entry and exit gates to streamline customer flow, a design feature common in global big-box retail to manage inventory and security more effectively.
What is the “K Home” concept store?
The “K Home” concept is a standalone trial store launching in Box Hill, Victoria, designed to test whether a more immersive shopping environment can boost home goods sales. Unlike standard Kmart stores, this format focuses exclusively on furniture and home decor. Spaseska stated that the store will showcase products that are typically restricted to online-only sales due to space constraints in traditional outlets. The company plans to use this trial to refine its model for potential long-term expansion into specialized home retail.
How is Kmart adapting to current economic pressures?
Kmart is responding to a “value-conscious” consumer base that is purchasing fewer items per visit, according to Spaseska. To maintain its position, the retailer is investing in operational efficiency, including a 10-hectare automated customer fulfilment centre in Moorebank, Sydney, scheduled to open in 2027/28. Furthermore, the company has expanded its online marketplace to include 130,000 products from 90 sellers and is rolling out RFID tags across its apparel range to ensure better inventory availability.
When shopping at large retailers, check their mobile app for “online-exclusive” items. As stores like Kmart move toward specialized formats like K Home, they are increasingly reserving floor space for high-turnover items while pushing niche goods to digital-only inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will all Kmart stores have registers at the front?
No. Kmart plans to have 40 stores operating in the new “Plan C+” format by the end of the 2026/27 financial year, out of approximately 300 stores nationwide.
What is the benefit of the new K Home store?
The K Home store allows Kmart to display its full Anko range and online-only products in a curated, room-based environment, which is not possible in traditional, high-traffic Kmart stores.
How does RFID technology affect my shopping experience?
The rollout of RFID tags on apparel is designed to improve “on-shelf availability,” meaning the item you are looking for is more likely to be in stock and easier for staff to locate.
Have you noticed the changes in your local Kmart store? Share your experience in the comments below or subscribe to our retail newsletter for the latest updates on major Australian store transformations.
