Anko

Anko is the private label house brand of Kmart Australia, a major retail chain. The brand was launched as part of a strategic overhaul to streamline Kmart's product range, replacing several older private labels with a single, cohesive identity. The name 'Anko' is derived from 'A New Kind Of,' reflecting the brand's mission to provide modern, affordable essentials across various categories including home decor, kitchenware, toys, and clothing.

While the brand is designed and developed in Australia, its manufacturing is globally distributed. The majority of Anko products are produced in manufacturing hubs across Asia, specifically China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This global supply chain allows the brand to maintain its high volume and low-cost pricing model while adhering to ethical sourcing standards.

Anko is ultimately owned by Wesfarmers Limited, one of Australia's largest listed companies. Wesfarmers acquired Kmart in 2007 as part of its acquisition of the Coles Group and has since vertically integrated the Anko brand into Kmart's core business model. In recent years, Wesfarmers has expanded Anko's reach beyond Australian shores, exporting the brand to international markets through partnerships and dedicated retail outlets, solidifying its position as a significant global private label brand.