The wait is over: Kmart Geraldton finally opens its doors at Northgate Shopping Centre

“The customers in Geraldton have waited long enough,” proclaimed Kmart state manager Glenn Butkus, just minutes before the first pack of bargain-hungry customers rushed into the new store.

Store manager Cherie Williams had a wobble in her voice and tears in her eyes as she thanked the team who transformed the space from a Target to a Kmart in just over two weeks — a sign of a goal hard-won.

Stars Foundation and Geraldton Senior High School dance troupe Bugarr Malyu opened the ceremony with a traditional dance, and City of Greater Geraldton Councillor Steve Douglas thanked Kmart for its investment in the Mid West.

“Local spending will keep our jobs local,” he said.

“We are a city, we are growing, and we deserve (this).”

Mr Butkus said he was thrilled to be opening a store in a regional centre like Geraldton where people were “screaming out for a Kmart”.

“I have had more than one person tell me they don’t have to do the eight hour return trip to shop at Kmart,” he said.

“I think people have fallen in love with the value of our products. they are on trend-fashionable and affordable for everyone in the community.”