Kmart to open week in advance

Up to 80 new staff at Whangarei's Kmart are now busy preparing the big box retail store for opening.

The newest addition to the Okara Shopping Centre will open on November 20, carrying more than 50,000 products, many of which are now on the shelves, with staff busy putting the final touches to the 5000sq m store.

Kmart New Zealand zone manager Jason Picard confirmed it was to open one week ahead of schedule.

"The merchandise is now in the store, checkouts are being installed, interior signage is up and up to 80 staff are on the books, making those final preparations ahead of the big opening."

He said another 30 people had come from other New Zealand stores to help with the final push over the finishing line.

"The Whangarei store has defied expectations. To be able to deliver the new-design store a full week ahead of schedule is testament to the collaboration of the team - from the team members right through to the council planners and builders," he said.

"We are itching to reveal the fruits of our labour."

The Australian-based company, which now has 18 stores in New Zealand, received 1074 job applications, 450 from the Work and Income NZ database.

The company went through a tough recruitment process to find the ideal candidates for its first Northland store.

Kmart would open each day from November 20 from 8am to midnight, selling apparel for men, women and children, toys, health and beauty, homewares, stationery and sporting goods.

Store manager Sharlene Goberdhan is leading the charge at the Whangarei site and said she was excited the company had been able to create 80 job opportunities for local community members and boost the local economy.

"We're excited to show off what has been a true team triumph in opening ahead of schedule. We literally cannot wait to show off the store."

The store opening on at 8am on Thursday, November 20, would include an instore kapa haka performance, face painting, Kmart gift card giveaways, and cake.