By DANIELLE GALVIN
ALL a group of Pakenham mums want for Christmas is the promise of a Kmart in their town.
Mum-of-two Rhyanon Sanders created a Facebook page on Friday calling for head honchos to take note and bring the store to Pakenham.
Within a matter of days, the page has more than 1900 likes with dozens of comments of support.
“I can’t believe it, it is crazy and it has absolutely gone off,” Ms Sanders said.
“Every single person I have spoken to in Pakenham wants one.”
It all started with a thread on a Pakenham mums group Facebook page when parents questioned what stores would be built near the Masters development.
The group behind the campaign are considering launching a petition to rally Kmart and Ms Sanders said she believes the support is there for a store in Pakenham.
“It’s sensible – I can’t understand why we don’t have a Kmart,” she said.
“Especially considering the boom in the area.”
Ms Sanders drives to Fountain Gate for her closest store for the basics.
“With two young kids, it’s great for socks and general items,” she said.
“I was in the Reject Shop the other day and I was picking something up when I overheard two mums saying, ‘man there needs to be a Kmart, I’m sick of going to Fountain Gate’ so I’m not alone.”
On the ‘Pakenham Needs Kmart’ Facebook page, mums are flocking to the page to show their support.
“What do we want – Kmart! When do we want it? Now!” Ashley commented.
Some mums called on Kmart to take notice and that they would love a 24 hour store.
“Come on Kmart, make your way to Pakenham – we need you!” Theresa said.
The Gazette asked residents what stores they would like to see in the shire. Popular responses included JB-Hi Fi, Spotlight and The Cheesecake Shop.
Kmart’s National Property Manager Ben Smith said Kmart is “always looking for new locations” to bring to its customers.
“We understand there are residents in the Pakenham community that would like a Kmart store and if we confirm a site location in the Pakenham area or surrounding suburbs we will distribute a formal announcement,” he said.
