Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has written to Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott regarding the company’s decision to close the Target store in Clare.
“I am seriously concerned the loss biggest department store in the region will result not only in job losses, but will knock-on effect on the whole shopping precinct”, Mr Ramsey said.
“The Clare township services not only the local community, but also provides services to a much wider regional area including many local townships within a 100 kilometre radius, particularly those to the north such as Burra, Brinkworth and Jamestown which are drawn to Clare for variety and competition in retail.
“The Target store is a very important provider of retail capacity with no comparable stores operating in the area. It is a popular choice where there are few options”, he said.
“Target attracts shoppers to Clare and if closed I fear locals and visitors alike will choose to travel to larger centres to the south such as Gawler and Adelaide to access clothing and homewares.”
“Once there they are more likely to buy other items and groceries, having a reverse multiplier effect on other businesses located at Clare.”
Mr Ramsey said he has asked Mr Scott to consider converting the Target to a Kmart as in happening in other regional centres.
“In the medium-term Clare has good prospects for growth on the back of its well-deserved and expanding reputation for food and wine. Currently the State and Federal Governments are seriously upgrading the Horrocks Highway connecting Clare to Adelaide, which is likely to lift employment in the tourism industry” he said.
“I understand decisions such as these are made primarily on an economic basis and have asked for Wesfarmers to reconsider the future of the store at Clare with a view to either keeping the Target store open or possibly converted it into a Kmart store.“
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 0417 827 523
May 29, 2020