Kmart is preparing to open a new homewares store format in Melbourne that is designed to compete with similar offerings from Ikea. Multiple outlets report that the store will open to customers on Thursday, marking the first launch of this format. The company’s expansion approach is described as potentially scalable, with the new concept possibly rolled out to other locations across Australia if the initial opening performs as expected. The coverage focuses on the “first look” at the store, indicating a distinct retail presentation for homewares compared with Kmart’s traditional store setup. While the reports do not detail pricing or specific product changes beyond the overall homewares focus, they consistently frame the move as a competitive response in the home furnishing market. The outlets agree that Melbourne is the starting point and that subsequent locations are a possibility rather than a confirmed timetable.