GAWLER’S Target department store will continue to operate as normal, despite an announcement hundreds of stores across the country would be closed or rebadged.

Parent company Wesfarmers announced on Friday it will convert between 10 and 40 metropolitan and around 50 country Target stores into Kmart outlets.

A Target spokesperson however later confirmed Gawler would continue to operate as normal and would not be converted into a Kmart.

The revamp is set to see Target’s total national workforce reduced by around 50 per cent.

A Target spokesperson said workers at Target stores set to be converted will be offered employment at the new store, while those working for stores destined to be shut down will be offered jobs within other Wesfarmers businesses.

“Across the Kmart Group we have made a significant effort to avoid store closures and retain our people and for impacted store team members we have the benefit of time to help find alternative employment opportunities,” the spokesperson said.

“All team members in Target stores scheduled for conversion to Kmart will be offered the opportunity to join the growing Kmart team.

“For other affected Target team members, we will work with them to identify and offer other redeployment opportunities in Kmart, Catch, Bunnings and Officeworks as these businesses continue to grow.”

The future of Target’s Elizabeth City Centre store is currently unknown.