Kmart has opened its largest New Zealand store at Westgate Town Centre in Auckland on 10 September, bringing Kmart’s Plan C+ store format to New Zealand for the first time.

Spanning 6700sqm, the new store brings Kmart’s everyday low prices closer to families in Auckland’s rapidly growing northwest, while creating more than 200 new roles for the local community. The store will trade 24 hours a day, giving customers greater flexibility when they shop.

“The Plan C+ format has been designed to make shopping simpler and more convenient for customers, while continuing to deliver the everyday low prices they know and trust,” says the retailer.

“Developed to improve both the customer and team experience, Plan C+ combines larger and more intuitive departments, improved product presentation, expanded self-service technology, and more efficient back-of-house operations.”

The format is now being introduced to New Zealand for the first time as part of the retailer’s continued investment in improving the customer experience.

At Westgate, customers will see larger and easier-to-shop departments across key categories including Womenswear, Beauty and Home, enhanced product coordination and services such as Select & Collect, expanded self-service checkouts and a simpler front-of-store entry and exit experience.

Behind the scenes, enhanced technology and improved ways of working will help store teams operate more efficiently, supporting strong product availability and giving team members more time to assist customers.

Kmart Group Managing Director Aleks Spaseska said Westgate marks a significant milestone for Kmart in New Zealand.

“Westgate is an important investment for Kmart Group and the first time we’re bringing our Plan C+ format to our New Zealand customers.

“We make it easier for customers to find what they need while continuing to deliver the low prices they know and trust.”

The opening brings Kmart’s New Zealand network to 28 stores. The retailer has doubled its store footprint across the country over the past decade and now employs more than 3000 team members nationwide.

For Kmart Westgate Store Manager Carlos Rowe, the opening is also a homecoming. Originally from New Zealand, Mr Rowe returned from Brisbane with his family after building his career with Kmart in Australia.

Mr Rowe joined Kmart as a casual checkout operator in Queensland in 2013 and has since worked across store openings, refits and leadership roles. He now leads the Westgate team, which he has helped build from the ground up.

“I started my Kmart career on the checkouts more than a decade ago, so leading the opening of our largest New Zealand store is something I’m incredibly proud of,” he said.

“We’ve built a strong local team and a store that’s designed to make shopping easier for customers. There’s been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get to this point, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the Westgate community through the doors.”

Westgate is Kmart’s third 24-hour store in New Zealand, joining Sylvia Park and Manukau.

Kmart Westgate is located at 58 Maki Street Westgate Auckland 0814.