The wait is almost over for Tauranga shoppers with the new Kmart Bethlehem store opening its doors for business this Thursday.

The new store is also a sign of things to come for fans of the Australasian retail giant, because the layout and design of the Bethlehem store will eventually be rolled out right across New Zealand.

The layout and design of the new Kmart Bethlehem store which is opening on Thursday will eventually be rolled out across New Zealand. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Kmart Bethlehem store manager Forrest Worthen says they've had a massive recruitment journey and after sorting through 1100 applicants, the management team has employed close to 100 locals.

'The majority of the team members we have employed live locally which really reflects our investment in the local community and support for the area,” says Forrest.

'I am incredibly excited to be a part of this store opening and proud of remarkable efforts made by everyone to get us to this point.”

Forrest says this week the team has been busily working with management to set up the store and to stock the shelves with products ahead of Thursday's opening day.

Bethlehem Town Centre marketing manager Kylea Grayling says to welcome Kmart's arrival and to celebrate the completion of the centre's upgrade they're throwing a three-day block party over Easter weekend.

She says there'll be a tonne of giveaways, activities and entertainment to keep everyone in the family smiling from ear-to-ear during the block party which takes place on Thursday, Saturday and Monday, from 10am to 3pm.

'We are really excited to celebrate the completion of the town centre's upgrade and the arrival of Kmart to the Bethlehem Town Centre family,” says Kylea.

'The major developments like roading, car parking and main infrastructure are now complete and not only look absolutely fantastic but have brought a whole different vibrancy to the centre.”

Kylea says there's been a phenomenal buzz amongst the community about which has simply astounded the town centre's management team.

'A lot of people have told us they want to come to Bethlehem to shop instead of travelling over the bridge to Bayfair, which for us is great to hear.

'Our Facebook pagehas also gone berserk, there's been a lot of ladies planning shopping excursions with their friends at the centre which is just absolutely brilliant,” she says with a laugh.

Kmart Bethlehem opens for business from 8am on Thursday, March 24. For more information or to learn more about the Bethlehem Town Centre Block Party visit: www.shopbethlehem.co.nz