Who Owns Kmart Australia?
Kmart Australia is owned by Wesfarmers Limited, an Australian publicly traded conglomerate listed on the ASX under ticker WES. Kmart operates as Wesfarmers' discount retail division and is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Parent Company
Wesfarmers Limited
Founded
1969
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Who Owns Kmart Australia?
- Parent Company: Wesfarmers Limited
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: ASX: WES
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kmart Australia | Wesfarmers Limited | Wholly owned |
History of Kmart Australia
- Founded: 1969
- Founders: Coles Group (original Australian operation)
Kmart Australia traces its origins to 1969 when Coles Group established the discount department store chain in Australia. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for retail ecommerce solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the retail ecommerce category for generations. The chain was developed as a local operation separate from the American Kmart corporation, though it initially used similar branding and concepts. This strategic positioning demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to create differentiated retail ecommerce solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kmart Australia expanded rapidly, opening stores across Australia and establishing itself as a leading discount retailer. This period of excellence demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple retail ecommerce segments. The chain differentiated itself through low prices, extensive product ranges, and convenient store locations. This strategic diversification demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the retail ecommerce industry.
The company became part of Wesfarmers when the conglomerate acquired Coles Group in 2007. This continued evolution demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and corporate dynamics. Under Wesfarmers ownership, Kmart underwent significant transformation, focusing on improving product quality, customer experience, and operational efficiency while maintaining its value positioning. This continued excellence demonstrates Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail ecommerce corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the retail industry.
The 2010s saw Kmart Australia successfully compete against international competitors like Big W and Target, establishing itself as Australia's leading discount department store. This continued evolution demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and technological advancements. The company has continued to evolve its product offerings and store formats to meet changing consumer preferences. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of department stores and consumer-focused retail solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct retail ecommerce identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Kmart Australia's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail ecommerce corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the retail industry.
About Wesfarmers Limited
What does Wesfarmers own?
Wesfarmers owns Bunnings Warehouse (home improvement retail), Kmart, Target Australia, Officeworks, Priceline Pharmacy, Blackwoods (industrial supplies), Workwear Group, and WesCEF (chemicals, energy, fertilisers). The company also holds a 50% stake in the Mt Holland lithium project in Western Australia.
Is Wesfarmers publicly traded?
Yes, Wesfarmers Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under ticker WES. The company has been publicly listed since 1984, having converted from a cooperative structure. Wesfarmers has a broad institutional and retail shareholder base with no single controlling shareholder.
Who founded Wesfarmers?
Wesfarmers was founded in 1914 in Perth, Western Australia as the Western Australian Farmers Cooperative, providing services and supplies to farmers. George James Brockman and Walter Harper were among the founding figures. The company converted from a cooperative to a publicly listed company in 1984.
Where is Wesfarmers headquartered?
Wesfarmers is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. The company has maintained its headquarters in Perth since its founding, reflecting its origins as a Western Australian farmers' cooperative. Wesfarmers operates businesses across Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
How many brands does Wesfarmers own?
Wesfarmers owns eight or more major retail and industrial brands, including Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart, Target Australia, Officeworks, Priceline Pharmacy, Blackwoods, and Workwear Group. The company employs approximately 120,000 people across its businesses.
Who owns Wesfarmers?
Wesfarmers Limited is publicly traded on the ASX with a broad institutional and retail shareholder base. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake. Major institutional shareholders include Australian and international fund managers. Rob Scott serves as Managing Director and CEO and Michael Chaney chairs the board.
- Founded: 1914
- Headquarters: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: ASX: WES
Where Is Kmart Australia Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Manufacturing / Operations: Australia, New Zealand, International supply chain
Brands Owned by Wesfarmers Limited
- Bunnings Warehouse - Australian hardware and home improvement retailer operating large warehouse-styl...
- Mecca - Australian beauty retailer offering cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and personal...
Kmart Australia Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong brand recognition in Australian discount retail
- +Extensive store network and distribution infrastructure
- +Successful value positioning and price leadership
- +Strong backing from Wesfarmers' financial resources and retail expertise
- +Proven business model adapted to Australian market
Considerations
- -Intense competition from other discount retailers like Big W and Target
- -Exposure to consumer spending patterns and economic conditions
- -Pressure on margins from competitive discount retail environment
- -Need to balance low prices with product quality and profitability
- -Supply chain complexity for diverse product ranges
Frequently Asked Questions About Kmart Australia
Competitors to Kmart Australia
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coles Group | Australia | 1914 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Woolworths Group | Australia | 1924 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Seven And I Holdings | Japan (corporate) | 1927 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Issa Brothers | United Kingdom | 1949 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Woolworths Group | Australia | 1964 | Mass Market | Global | Male | |
| Canadian Tire Corporation | Canada | 1922 | Mass Market | Global | Male |
Learn More About Competitors

Coles Group
Owned by Coles Group Limited
Australian supermarket chain and retailer operating grocery stores, liquor outlets, and convenience stores across Australia, serving millions of customers weekly.

Woolworths Australia
Owned by Woolworths Group Limited
Australian supermarket chain operating grocery stores, fresh food markets, and convenience stores across Australia, serving as the country's largest supermarket retailer.

7-Eleven
Owned by Seven & i Holdings
Global leader in convenience retail with over 84,000 stores across 19 countries, offering a diverse range of food, beverages, and everyday essentials with a focus on 24/7 accessibility and neighborhood convenience.

Asda
Owned by Issa Brothers (TDR Capital)
British supermarket chain offering groceries, clothing, and general merchandise, owned by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers through their EG Group.

Big W
Owned by Woolworths Group Limited
Australian discount department store chain offering general merchandise, clothing, electronics, and homewares at affordable prices across hundreds of stores nationwide.

Canadian Tire
Owned by Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
Canadian retail corporation operating department stores, gas stations, and financial services, known for automotive products and household goods.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Kmart Australia competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Wesfarmers Limited Stock Information
Jobs at Wesfarmers Limited
Latest News About Kmart Australia
Related Articles About Kmart Australia
View more articlesMonthly M&A Roundup: February 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
From Keurig Dr Pepper's planned split to the Netflix-WBD saga, here is every major brand ownership change and deal in February 2026.
The Most Acquired Categories: Tech vs CPG vs Pharma
Which industries see the most brand acquisitions? We compared technology, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals to find out where the most M&A activity happens and why.
The Truth About 'Made in America' Brand Claims
Many brands market themselves as American-made. But what does that actually mean when the parent company is foreign, the parts come from overseas, and 'assembled in USA' is not the same as 'made in USA'?
People Also Searched
Discover popular brands and companies in the Retail & E-commerce category and related searches from other users.

7-Eleven
Global leader in convenience retail with over 84,000 stores across 19 countries, offering a diverse range of food, beverages, and everyday essentials with a focus on 24/7 accessibility and neighborhood convenience.

Aldi
German discount supermarket chain operating globally with a focus on private label products, efficient operations, and low prices across thousands of stores worldwide.

Amazon Basics
Amazon's private label brand offering affordable, everyday essentials across multiple product categories.





