Bunnings chooses Albany as site for first WA Tool Kit Depot store outside of Perth-Peel region

Bunnings has launched its first WA Tool Kit Depot outside of the Perth-Peel region with a grand opening of its 1500sqm Albany store scheduled for Thursday. The store — situated in the old Bunnings warehouse on Albany Highway — represents a $3 million investment and has created eight new local jobs, according to Bunnings. The Tool Kit Depot business is founded on Adelaide Tools, which Bunnings bought in 2019. The former family-owned business sells about 10,000 products including power tools, welding gear and construction equipment. The expansion into professional tools is part of a strategy to help Bunnings capture more of the home and commercial construction market by luring more tradespeople. Bunnings is aiming to establish 75 Tool Kit Depot stores across the country, but its initial focus is the expansion into WA. Stores have already opened in Midland, Malaga, Belmont, Rockingham and Mandurah, all with their own battery bar, tool hire, and tool servicing and repairs workshop. The Albany outlet opened on Monday and will be hosting a family-focused launch event on Thursday. Tool Kit Depot Albany store manager Colin Kuiper said staff were looking forward to getting to know local tradespeople. “Our Albany team have been busy in recent weeks, working flat out to get products on the shelf in preparation for the store opening,” he said. “It’s been a huge effort by all involved and we’re really proud of what the team has achieved. “We’re inviting the local community to come down and help us celebrate the opening with the Albany Tool Kit Depot team on Thursday. “We’ll have a range of free activities for the whole family to enjoy with plenty in store for the kids. “We’ll also have ice-cream, woodfire pizza, barista coffee, door prizes and giveaways, including a Kincrome prize, as well as opening special offers.”