Panic amongst Aussie shoppers as Kmart & Bunnings close all stores in NZ
‘Will it happen in Australia as well?
There is panic amongst Aussie shoppers after the announcement that all Kmart and Bunnings have closed to the public in New Zealand amid the coronavirus crisis.
Wesfarmers, who own both hugely popular chain stores, announced that they would close all 25 Kmart stores across New Zealand, while their Bunnings store would only be open to trade customers.
While Bunnings had originally hoped to stay open in New Zealand under their lockdown laws, claiming they were an ‘essential service’, it seems the government had other ideas. Now the hardware warehouse has limited their sales to trade only.
The news has sparked widespread nervousness amongst Aussie shoppers, worried that similar closures could happen in Australia as government lockdown restrictions continue to roll in.
‘Will it happen in Australia as well?’ asked one Facebook user. ‘Kmart is my happy place. All this is so depressing,’ said another.
Last night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that all beauty salons, waxing and nail salons must close, while hairdressing appointments were limited to 30 minutes only. Weddings and funerals have also been severely restricted, while auctions and open home inspections and amusement parks and play centres have been closed. It follows Sunday’s announcement that pubs, clubs and bars must close while restaurants and cafes were limited to takeaway service only.
At present, Bunnings and Kmart remain open in Australia. But with more restrictions looming, some suggest that shopping centres could have their trading hours limited next.
Published originally on New Idea Food.
Amy Sinclair is a former editor who loves all things food, cooking and eating - especially the eating! When she's not looking after her three children, you'll find her in the kitchen or busily hiding online shopping purchases from her husband.
