Update: Target has clarified that the Lithgow store is safe from closure and that the 'phase one' comment doesn't reflect plans for further cuts in a 'phase two'.
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'The announcement last Friday does not impact our Lithgow store and it will continue trading as usual,' a spokesperson said.
Earlier:
Last week Target's parent company Wesfarmers announced that more than 150 Target stores are either to close altogether or be converted to Kmart stores in a major restructuring by the company.
Lithgow's Target store seems to have avoided closure or a rebrand to Kmart, not appearing on any of the company's lists published at their website.
However, when the Lithgow Mercury reached out to the company, a spokesperson said that the list of stores online are part of 'phase one' of the restructure.
"The list will be updated according to the stores that are either closing or will transition to Kmart," the spokesperson wrote.
"The listed stores are phase one of the re-model, I cannot comment on the stores in future that may make this list as that information is not provided to us."
What do local workers think?
What do local staff make of the restructure announcement? Speaking anonymously, a Lithgow Target staff member told the Lithgow Mercury they're relieved the store is not closing.
"I'm relieved that we'll be remaining a target store, largely because it means I still have a job, but also because I know there would be some amount of hassle for lithgow as a whole during any transitional period," they said.
"Lithgow doesn't exactly have many alternatives when it comes to clothing, especially for children and babies, and at this time I feel like having a reliable source to purchase these goods is incredibly important."
What do you think?
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