King-size Kmart — retailer opens its largest NZ store

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 10, 2026

Kmart has opened its largest store in New Zealand, a 6,700 square meter location in Westgate, Auckland, featuring its new “Plan C+” format and employing over 200 staff. This launch introduces a redesigned shopping layout and advanced technologies like RFID inventory robots and digital kiosks, aiming to improve customer experience and streamline operations.

Kmart is set to open its largest store in New Zealand today with the launch of a 6,700 square meter location in Westgate, northwest Auckland. The store will operate 24 hours a day and employ more than 200 staff, marking a significant expansion for the retailer in the New Zealand market.

This new outlet is the country’s first to feature Kmart’s updated “Plan C+” store format, which has already been introduced in over 20 stores across Australia. The format features a redesigned layout intended to enhance the shopping experience through larger, more defined departments, improved product presentation, and expanded use of self-service technology.

A key change in the Plan C+ design is the repositioning of checkouts. Unlike traditional store designs that locate registers near the center, the Westgate store places checkouts adjacent to the exits. Ben Smith, general manager of property for Kmart Group, explained that this adjustment aims to create a more intuitive and streamlined journey for customers. He noted that alongside store expansion, particularly in womenswear and beauty categories, the new layout ensures that the checkout process is as efficient as possible.

The store’s design also allows Kmart to broaden its product ranges, supported by technological innovations already employed by the retailer in both New Zealand and Australia. Among these is Tory, an automated radio-frequency identification (RFID) robot that scans product tags to monitor stock levels and identify replenishment needs. Currently operational in fashion and bedding sections, Kmart is exploring options to extend Tory’s use to general merchandise.

Westgate also introduces a new kiosk system for larger products, such as outdoor and nursery items. Rather than occupying extensive shelf space, customers will browse these items digitally at kiosks and then receive collection tickets to retrieve their purchases from designated zones, optimizing floor space and convenience.

The Westgate store’s overall inventory is expected to include around 40,000 stock keeping units (SKUs), making it one of Kmart’s most comprehensive offerings in New Zealand to date. This expansion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to adapting its retail model to meet evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.