Few retail chains spark as much curiosity as Kmart—especially when you’re standing outside a locked door wondering what time it opens. Whether you’re a weekend bargain hunter or a parent chasing school-holiday deals, Kmart’s hours can feel like a moving target. But there’s more to this story than a store locator: Kmart’s journey from a 19th-century five-and-dime to today’s Anko-powered Australian empire explains a lot about why and when you can (or can’t) shop there.
Number of Kmart stores in Australia (2025): ~300 ·
Owner of Kmart Australia: Wesfarmers ·
Private label brand: Anko ·
Year Kmart first opened: 1962 ·
US Kmart status: Mostly closed, few remaining
Quick snapshot
- Typical weekdays: 7am–9pm (Grand Plaza store listing)
- Sundays: 9am–6pm (Galleria Shopping Centre)
- Holiday schedules vary – check store locator (Grand Plaza store listing)
- Owned by Wesfarmers in Australia (Wesfarmers corporate site)
- Anko is the private label (Kmart Australia)
- Name comes from Kresge – see history below (Wesfarmers corporate site)
- Both owned by Wesfarmers in Australia (Wesfarmers corporate site)
- Separate chains with different ranges (Wesfarmers corporate site)
- US Target is unrelated to Kmart (Wesfarmers corporate site)
- US Kmart mostly closed – bankruptcy in 2002 (Wikipedia – Kmart)
- Australian Kmart thriving with ~300 stores (Wesfarmers corporate site)
- Reasons: competition, management (Wikipedia – Kmart)
Six key facts, one pattern: Kmart Australia and Kmart US have followed wildly different paths.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1962 (as S.S. Kresge) |
| Owner (Australia) | Wesfarmers |
| Private label | Anko |
| Number of stores in Australia (2025) | ~300 |
| US Kmart status | Mostly closed, few remaining |
| Headquarters | Mulgrave, Victoria, Australia |
The pattern: Kmart Australia’s disciplined ownership and focus on value has kept it healthy while the US chain collapsed.
What are Kmart opening hours near me?
How to find Kmart opening hours for your location
- Kmart Australia’s official store locator page lets you search by suburb or postcode — start typing and select from suggestions.
- Store-specific hours vary. For example, the Grand Plaza listing (Brisbane) shows weekday hours 7:00am–9:00pm and Saturday 9:00am–6:00pm.
- Galleria Shopping Centre (Perth) lists a Kmart with weekday hours 8:00am–9:00pm and Sunday 11:00am–5:00pm.
- Always double-check on the store locator — Kmart warns that hours can differ materially between locations.
The pattern: Most Kmart stores open around 7–8am on weekdays and close 8–9pm, but Sunday hours can be tighter (11am–5pm or 9am–6pm). The only way to be certain is your local store page.
Official Kmart store locator
- Head to kmart.com.au/store-locator — the official tool from Kmart Australia.
- Type your suburb or postcode, pick the store from the dropdown, and get address, phone, and hours for that specific location.
- Phone numbers are listed: e.g., Galleria Kmart: 08 9375 3228; Grand Plaza Kmart: 07 3809 9300.
Why this matters: relying on a general “Kmart hours” Google result can send you on a wasted trip — especially on Sundays or public holidays. A 30-second check on the store locator saves time and frustration.
The implication: Australians who use the locator avoid the frustration of arriving at a closed store.
Why is Kmart called Anko?
What is Anko?
- Anko is Kmart Australia’s private-label brand, launched around 2020. It covers everything from homewares and furniture to electronics and kids clothing.
- According to Kmart Australia, Anko is a made-up name — not an acronym — chosen to stand for the brand’s own product range.
- Despite Anko products being everywhere in-store, the chain retains the Kmart name.
The implication: Anko lets Kmart control quality and margins directly, competing with IKEA and Target on home goods without changing the Kmart store brand.
Is Anko a separate brand?
- Yes, Anko is a distinct label owned by Kmart Australia, but you can’t buy Anko products at any other retailer — it’s exclusive to Kmart.
- The brand appears on packaging, tags, and even some store signage, but the storefront always says “Kmart.”
The catch: Some shoppers wonder why Kmart doesn’t rename the whole chain “Anko.” The answer is brand equity — Kmart is a household name in Australia, and Anko works better as a product badge than a store identity.
Why was Kmart closing?
Kmart store closures in the US vs Australia
- In the US, Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002 (Wikipedia – Kmart). Most stores closed by 2019 after a merger with Sears.
- Australian Kmart is a separate entity owned by Wesfarmers, and it continues to operate about 300 stores nationwide.
- Kmart Australia has never faced the same financial collapse; it’s actually grown in the 2020s.
The pattern: The US closure story is often confused with the Australian situation. Australians can breathe easy — their Kmart is thriving, while the US version is essentially extinct.
What caused the downfall of Kmart?
- In the US, competition from Walmart and Target, along with management missteps, drove Kmart into bankruptcy. Reuters reporting at the time cited failure to invest in supply chain and pricing.
- In Australia, Wesfarmers kept the business lean and focused on value, avoiding the same traps.
The trade-off: US shoppers lost their Kmart because it tried to be everything to everyone without the operational strength. Australian shoppers still have theirs because Wesfarmers kept it disciplined.
Are Target and Kmart the same now?
Ownership of Target and Kmart in Australia
- Both chains are owned by Wesfarmers, the Australian conglomerate that also owns Bunnings and Officeworks.
- However, they operate as separate retail brands with different product ranges, pricing, and store formats.
- Some Target stores have been converted to Kmart (or closed), but the two remain distinct in the market.
Why this matters: Australian shoppers often ask if they can get the same stuff at Target. The answer is no — Kmart leans into ultra-low pricing and Anko home goods, while Target (under Wesfarmers) targets a slightly higher price point.
Differences between Target and Kmart
- Kmart’s private label Anko is a massive differentiator — Target doesn’t have an equivalent that dominates shelf space.
- Kmart is generally cheaper on basics; Target positions itself as a department store for fashion and home.
- In the US, Target and Kmart are unrelated — Target is its own public company.
The implication: For a low-price home goods haul, Kmart is your bet. For clothing and decor with a bit more polish, Target fills a different niche — even though the same parent company owns both.
What does the letter K stand for in Kmart?
Origin of the Kmart name
- The “K” stands for Kresge — from the company’s founder, S.S. Kresge.
- The full chain was originally called S.S. Kresge Co. In 1962, the first Kmart store opened, and eventually the company rebranded entirely to Kmart.
History of S.S. Kresge
- S.S. Kresge (Wikipedia) founded a five-and-dime store in 1899 in Detroit. It grew into a national chain before pivoting to the discount department store format — thus Kmart.
- The Kresge name disappeared from storefronts but lives on in the “K” of Kmart.
The pattern: Most shoppers don’t know that Kmart is a century-old company with roots in penny retail. The “K” is a tiny tribute to a founder who started selling items for 5 and 10 cents.
Timeline signal
- – S.S. Kresge founded
- – First Kmart store opens
- – US Kmart files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- – Kmart merges with Sears
- – Most US Kmart stores close
- – Kmart Australia launches Anko private label
Kmart US died because it failed to compete with Walmart’s efficiency. Kmart Australia, under the same original name, thrives by doing exactly the opposite — leaning into cheap home goods and a private label that feels almost like a third brand. The same letters, completely different fates.
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- Kmart Australia is owned by Wesfarmers (Wesfarmers corporate site)
- Anko is Kmart’s own brand (Kmart Australia)
- The ‘K’ in Kmart stands for Kresge (Wikipedia)
- Kmart Australia operates ~300 stores
What’s unclear
- Exact number of Kmart stores still open in the US in 2025 (estimates vary)
- Whether Kmart US will ever re-enter the market
Quotes
Kmart Australia’s focus on private label Anko has driven margins while keeping prices low for customers.
— Wesfarmers annual report (corporate disclosure)
Kmart’s bankruptcy in 2002 marked the end of an era for American discount retail, as Walmart and Target captured the market.
— Wikipedia – Kmart history
The failure of Kmart in the United States can be traced to a lack of investment in supply chain and a confusing pricing strategy.
Australians who love Anko homewares should keep an eye on Wesfarmers’ next move. If Kmart Australia continues to grow, it may eventually expand Anko as a standalone brand — but don’t expect the store name to change anytime soon. For US readers, the question is whether the last handful of Kmarts will ever close. The pattern suggests yes, but nothing is certain.
For Australian shoppers, the choice is clear: check the store locator before you drive, enjoy the low prices Anko brings, and rest easy knowing your local Kmart isn’t going anywhere. The American Kmart story is a cautionary tale of missed signals, but down under, the same name stands for something entirely different — affordable home goods you can actually count on.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Kmart open on weekdays?
Most Kmart stores in Australia open between 7am and 8am on weekdays. For example, Grand Plaza lists 7:00am start, while Galleria shows 8:00am. Always check your local store on the Kmart store locator for exact times.
What time does Kmart close on Sundays?
Sunday hours vary more than weekday hours. Galleria Shopping Centre lists 11:00am–5:00pm for its Kmart, while other stores may open 9:00am–6:00pm. Use the locator to confirm.
Does Kmart have different hours on public holidays?
Yes. Many Kmart locations reduce hours on public holidays, and some may close entirely. Check the store locator or call ahead — especially on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Good Friday.
How can I find the opening hours for my local Kmart?
Go to the official store locator page, type your suburb or postcode, and select the store. The hours, address, and phone number will be displayed.
Are Kmart opening hours the same across all stores?
No. Each store sets its own hours based on location, shopping centre agreements, and local regulations. A store in a suburban mall may open later on Sundays than one in a city centre. Always verify.
Is Kmart open on Christmas Day?
In Australia, Kmart stores are generally closed on Christmas Day. Most stores also close on Good Friday. Reduced hours on other public holidays are common. Call the store or use the locator to confirm.
What is the latest time I can shop at Kmart?
The latest closing times are typically around 9pm on weekdays and 6pm on Sundays, but some locations may close earlier. Use the store locator for the most accurate information.
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Ethan Fraser is Senior Reporter at Downunder Brief, covering breaking stories and explainers.