The news, delivered on November 30, has been a shock to the community.
Staff members said they were devastated and did not wish to comment publicly.
Kmart said it was working on redeploying the staff in stores across the Goulburn Valley.
“With our strong retail footprint in the region surrounding Kyabram, we can confirm that Kmart Australia has made the decision to not renew the lease on the Kyabram K hub, which means this store will close on February 17 2024,” a Kmart spokesperson told The Free Press.
“This decision was not taken lightly, and we thank the community for their support for Kmart.
“We hope to continue serving the Kyabram community through our stores in Echuca and Shepparton as well as online.
“Supporting our team is also our priority. We are actively working with our thirteen affected team members to offer redeployment into other Kmart stores where we can.”
K hub has been many locals’ one-stop shop for buying everyday essentials other stores do not stock.
Business leaders said it was a blow for Kyabram.
“So many of our locals don’t leave the area, so where are they now going to shop?” Kyabram Chamber of Commerce president Deanne Stagg said.
“We used to have no empty shops, but now we have heaps.”
The news has left many locals stunned.
“We were shocked, dumbfounded,” shopper and local Nicole Bradley said.
“Where are we going to get socks and jocks for the kids?”
“It’s a big loss,” shopper and local Allison Wills said.
“It’s going to leave a massive hole in the middle of the town.
“You always see shoppers go by from Kmart and there are always people going in or out.”
“It’s a bit of a shock,” shopper Dana Boyle said.
“Not very good for Kyabram, but hopefully another local business will take its place.”
Messages have started to flood in on Facebook on the Kyabram Community Connections Page, with close to 1000 people signing a petition to stop the closure of the Allan St store.
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