They will be the first shoppers through the checkouts at Kmart Port Macquarie’s new store.

The winners were among 1400 entrants to participate in an online competition and for their creative efforts, win a $150 gift voucher and one hour in the store tonight to shop.

The winners are Denise Law, Danae Weaver, Fern Brassington, Vicki Styles, Jaclyn Reay, Scott Cooper, Tara Duck, Alicia Rowan, Greg Higgins and Liz Hostettler.

The response to the competition proved Port Macquarians really do love Kmart with declarations in 25 words or less ranging from poetic declarations of support to simple and to the point pleas to win.

The store will officially open its doors to the Port Macquarie community on Thursday, March 23 at 8am, serving up a welcome barbecue from 7am.

Kmart Port Macquarie is the first store opening for the retail giant in New South Wales this year. The 5,225m2 store will showcase Kmart’s new store layout that is being rolled out nationally.

There will also be specialty shops opening progressively over coming months.

Kmart Port Macquarie store Manager Michael Lawrence, said he along with 200 employees, are counting down the hours to opening day and encourages the whole community to visit on Thursday.

“We will have a variety of free family activities throughout the day plus we’re fully stocked so customers can have access to our newest product ranges at the lowest prices. It doesn’t get better than that. 

“Customers will just love what they see when they walk through those doors,” Mr Lawrence said.

Opening day giveaways and community activities include: