Kmart Australia has announced that it will start converting selected stores in NSW, QLD and Vic into fulfilment centres, to help cope with online demand.

“Over the past few weeks, we have seen a huge surge in demand for our online services and we want to continue to support our customers with shopping in a way that’s most convenient for them,” a Kmart spokeswoman told news.com.au.

The physical shopfronts will close temporarily, however, customers will still be able to purchase their favourite Kmart homewares and kitchen gadgets online.

“Our store teams will continue working instore, as part of this fulfilment team; ensuring that our Kmart customers and communities have easy access to the products they need, at the time they need them most.”

The discount department store has already trialled the concept at its Brandon Park store in Victoria, with Top Ryde in NSW and Caboolture in Queensland to be next cab off the rank.