Mount Gambier’s Kmart store has been given a much-needed facelift in line with other chain store locations after eight years in a “dated” format.

The new look store will be officially opened today after four weeks of renovations with members of the public invited to attend.

The retail outlet was the second to last in South Australia to be upgraded to the modern format, behind only Port Adelaide.

Kmart Mount Gambier manager Brett Hosking said one of the main differences was the Kmart worlds were linked with sections such as party and kids.

While the tech section has moved to the back of the store and the layout has changed, the biggest shock to customers has been the relocation of the checkouts in the middle of the store.

“While I have not seen it personally I have heard there have been negative opinions on social media about the new location of the checkouts,” Mr Hosking said.

“We have added two more self-serve checkouts in the upgrade which has increased efficiency.

“Customers will not be stopped at the door after checking out so it will not slow down traffic.

“It is a big change, but it is one for the better and we hope the community enjoy it as much as we do.”