Discount department store retailer, Kmart, has opened its 200th store in Lakelands, south of Perth, last week.

The 5,295sqm store features the DDS-chain’s new store layout that is being rolled out nationally, with updates on its central self-served check outs, wider aisles and bolder graphics for navigation.

Alongside her all female management team, Kmart Lakelands store manager Jacqui Craig said the 130 newly employed staff members have gone through nine weeks of intensive training in preparation for the opening, learning a variety of roles across the store to ensure team members are exposed to a variety of tasks and responsibilities.

“We have received lots of positive feedback from the Halls Head and Rockingham community. The new store will provide the community with further shopping convenience for those who live locally and greater access to our everyday low prices,” Craig said.

Kmart recently announced it is looking at alternative growth verticals to achieve its lofty goals, laying the groundwork on an international expansion that’s seen its products trialled in Thailand and India recently. The DDS chain has struck a deal with Southeast Asian retail giant Central Group to launch Kmart’s products in select Robinson Department Stores in Thailand, as concessions.

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.