The HUGE changes coming to Kmart as stores begins to ease coronavirus restrictions - as it reveals the essentials that are flying off its shelves
- Kmart has reopened registers manned by cashiers and photo centre kiosks
- The retailer has also lifted two-item purchasing limits on popular essential items
- Sanitary, office, cooking and entertainment products have been in high demand
- Limits on shoppers allowed in stores will continue to promote social distancing
- Kmart Retail Director John Gualtieri said he expects stocks to normalise by July
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Retail giant Kmart will ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions as states and territories move through the various stages of ending lockdown.
Kmart reopened registers manned by cashiers and photo centre kiosks at their stores on Wednesday after previously only having self-service checkouts.
'Sneeze screens' to separate customers and Kmart employees will be added to cash registers on Friday to create a protective barrier.
Stores have also removed purchasing limits on essential products that have been in high demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kmart customers line up to enter the store due to social distancing limits. The retailer reopened cash registers, photo centre kiosks, removed purchasing limits and brought back its popular customer holds service on Wednesday
Tissues, hand sanitisers, napkins and liquid soap previously had a limit of two items per purchase, which has now ended.
The retailer has also brought back its popular customer holds service.
But some preventative measures will still remain in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus in stores.
Kmart will limit the number of people allowed in each store, depending on the size of the store, and continue cleaning and sanitising.
In addition, they requested customers social distance by standing 1.5 metres apart in stores and keep physical contact with one another a minimum.
A sign dictating the maximum number of people in a certain aisle, which is in this case, two. Kmart requested customers social distance by standing 1.5 metres apart in stores and keep physical contact with one another a minimum
An email to customers from Retail Director John Gualtieri outlining what preventative measures will remain in place to combat COVID-19
In an email to customers, Kmart Retail Director John Gualtieri said he expects stocks of in-demand items to normalise by July.
'Stock availability impacts across a few of our popular product categories. We've seen significant spikes in essential household items that help keep you working, keep you warm, keep you active and keep your little ones stimulated,' he said.
'As a result, we've experienced increased demand for product categories like home office, fitness, cookware, games and books.
'We're expecting stock availability to improve through May and June, and to normalise by July.'
While other businesses are struggling, Kmart will open a total of three stores in Victoria this month.
A store in Manor Lakes opened earlier this month, Kmart Warragul opened on Thursday and Kmart Clayton will open on May 21.
A guard stands in front of a Kmart store. Kmart Retail Director John Gualtieri said he expects stocks of in-demand items such as home office, fitness, cookware, games and books to normalise by July
