WARRNAMBOOL'S Target store will remain open as others in the region are closed or converted into a Kmart.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Target Colac will close early-to-mid 2021 while the Hamilton and Portland stores will be converted into a Kmart.
A Target Colac employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said many staff were worried about the future.
"We don't know anything, it's all really uncertain," they said.
"The only other place here under Wesfarmers is Bunnings, unless you travel to Geelong.
"Lot's of community members are disappointed, and what's going to happen to the building? It's already for lease but there's 40-something other empty shops in town.
"There's some staff who are only a couple of years off retirement who have been working for Target for over 30 years, they're worried that no-one will want to employ them."
The Hamilton store will close on January 23 and reopen on February 12.
A worker said the turnaround will take place in the space of two weeks and more employees are expected to be hired.
Most of the Hamilton staff will be staying on.
"Some customers are a bit sad about the Target closing, especially the clothing line," the staff member said.
All the workers at the Portland Target store will stay on when it converts to a Kmart.
The store will close on January 30 for the refurbishment with reopening dates to be confirmed.
A total of 59 stores are set to close for good across the country.
A further 80 will be converted into Kmart stores.
All remaining Target stores will continue trading as Target.
Wesfarmers said in a statement the closures will "affect a lot of people in the Target community."
"We appreciate your patience and understanding during these challenging times. We are committed to providing every opportunity for redeployment for our team members who will be affected by these changes.
"We are proud to have a rich history as an Australian company and we are committed to serving you, our valued customers, now and into the future.
"We have many Target stores which remain unaffected by today's announcement and you can continue to shop with us online with the same ease and convenience."
With the majority of the proposed Target store closures planned to occur in the 2021 calendar year, Wesfarmers said it will "explore all available options" to redeploy affected staff.
"Target team members impacted by store closures will be given priority consideration for new roles created in Kmart and Catch as these businesses continue to grow. In addition, Wesfarmers has established a cross-divisional working group to identify redeployment opportunities for affected team members, including in Bunnings and Officeworks.
"Target team members who are unable to be redeployed will be provided with access to support services, along with all entitlements."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.