Over the past few weeks, empty shelves and empty aisles was the common scene at Mount Isa's largest retail store.
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The effects of COVID-19 saw a shortage of stock across all Australian Kmart stores, resulting in depleted aisles across the store.
However Mount Isa staff are frantically restocking shelves, as stock shipments begin to arrive.
Kmart Australia Retail Director, John Gualtieri, expected the store to be fully stocked again by the end of July.
"During the early stages of COVID-19, demand for much of our loved products softened; as a result, we made a decision to pause inventory shipments.
"This was an action that many retailers across the country, and even across the globe, took as a way to navigate through the global pandemic.
"Some of the countries where we manufacture our products were also put into lockdown, putting production of some of our goods on hold for a period of time."
Mr Gualtieri due to COVID-19 restrictions, Kmart stores could remain open during the pandemic, which saw an increase demand for products.
"There was more interest in household items that help keep you working, keep you active, keep your little ones stimulated, and keep your families entertained in the kitchen," he said.
"This interest has in turn, resulted in increased demand for product categories like home office, fitness, cookware, games and books (just to name a few).
"Our teams have been busy working behind the scenes to get these popular products back on the shelves. Working closely with our partners and suppliers to pull orders forward to help meet this increased demand."
Mr Gualtieri said products had started arriving back in store and online, with weekly deliveries resuming.
"We expect stock levels to normalise by the end of July 2020," he said.
"Until then, I thought it might be best to give a little snapshot of some of our more popular categories, so you can easily see when stock availability will improve:
"Home office-mid July, furniture and accessories-mid to end July, kitchen and dining-mid July, nursery- end June, bikes and exercise equipment-end July.
"We understand how frustrating it can be when you visit us in-store and can't find the items you love; and we are so sorry to disappoint.
"We are working as fast as we can to correct this. I would like to thank you all for your understanding, patience and ongoing support."
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
