Australian shoppers are reeling over a major change to Kmart’s popular brand of Anko homewares.
The much-loved range has now started appearing in Target stores across the country, prompting a very divided reaction from many customers.
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Kmart’s Anko range of homewares is now available in Target
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In July 2023, Kmart and Target parent company Wesfarmers announced that it would introduce “select Anko ranges across hard home and general merchandise into Target stores” in early 2024.
Now social media users have started sharing videos showing how shelves at their local Target stores had been cleared to make way for Kmart stock.
In one video, a sign saying “Watch this space” with a Target logo can be seen above a fresh display of Anko glasses – which had previously only been available at Kmart.
Social media user Tenielle Hamlin – who uses the handle @tenbunny – said she was “devastated” by the development, claiming she was unhappy to see Target stock disappearing from shelves.
“You guys know that Target and Kmart are combining to become one store?” she said in a recent video.
“I was just at my local Target and half the store was empty. All of the homewares are gone, most of the baby products are gone. There’s just gaps all throughout the store.
“Then when I looked into it, it’s because Target and Kmart are becoming one and in my local Target, they’re starting to stock Anko products.
“And to be honest, I’m not that happy about it.
“I much prefer Target to Kmart. I’m a bit concerned that they’re gonna stop stocking my favorite things.”
She later added: “I didn’t know that until today I’m devastated.”
Social media user Sandra – who uses the handle @sandi.kay – also said she was also unhappy about the move.
“I know they’re owned by the same company – but didn’t realise there would be a merge in products!” she said in another video.
“We have a Kmart and target in our local shops – so what’s the point of having two selling Anko products?”
She later added: “If I wanted Anko, I’d go Kmart.”
Other social media users agreed, saying they would miss Target’s range of products.
“Noooo, I’m sick of Anko products,” said one. “I love going to Target and feeling boujee.”
Another wrote: “This is so sad. Target has been absolutely slaying lately, why ruin it now with Anko brands?”
A third responded: “If I wanted Kmart … I’d go to Kmart! Why cant they leave Target alone?”
One more added: “I shopped at Target all the time and hardly ever at Kmart. Not happy!”
Said another: “So sad about this!”
But others weren’t as bothered by the development – and some retail workers offered more clarification.
“I’m sorry, but who prefers Target over Kmart?” said one.
Another added: “As a Kmart worker, no they are not becoming one. Only some Anko home products are replacing some branded stuff at Target.”
A third wrote: “I’m a Target worker and they definitely not becoming one store. Homewares, stationery, pet and baby sections will have Anko products, but that’s it.”
Target responds
A Target spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that the retail group will monitor customer feedback.
“As announced in July 2023, Target will be stocking select Anko products from February 2024,” the spokesperson said.
“While we are confident customers will like the curation of products, like always, we will continue to test and learn in response to customer feedback.”
