Kmart criticised over decision to ditch family favourites
Kmart shoppers around Australia are criticising the department store for its dwindling selection of DVDs and CDs, as the chain begins to phase out the entertainment products both in store and online.
Customers have left stores frustrated because they are no longer able to find well-priced movies and TV shows on DVD to watch with their families.
The shoppers also criticised the discount store for removing the entertainment products without an official public statement.
A Kmart spokesperson told Kidspot: “As part of Kmart’s expanding range of in-house designed products we have made the decision to exit DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray products so as to allow space within the store for our new creative and activity-based kids products. At present, DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray products are currently on clearance as part of the transition, and we thank our customers and suppliers for their support. We won’t be stocking these items online as our decision to exit is across both in-store and online.”
Mum Shelley Brokey said Kmart’s decision would impact those who cannot afford online streaming services.
“My daughter likes to watch ABC iview but we can’t afford the amount of internet it takes to use that so I’ve relied on Kmart to buy kids DVDs. I know that’s the way the world is going but some people just can’t afford Netflix or even afford good internet with lots of data,” she told Kidspot.
Kirsti Shorti Wells said she felt “let down” that Kmart made such a big change without informing customers.
“I’m very disappointed and feel let down, just like when the video shops closed,” she said.
“All the newer movies were gone in the first day of the discounts. It seems it was pot luck if you were in there and got a bargain. No one seemed to know about it. It just happened!
“I did ask staff why they were discounted and was informed that they would no longer be selling DVDs. As a single mum I always buy from Kmart due to the price being so good or occasionally from Big W. I buy anything from Mary Poppins to what they’ve recently seen at the cinema. My eldest was learning about the Titanic and I wanted her to see the movie and there was nowhere to get it but Kmart. We cried. She learnt and we’ve watched it again and again. It’s something my kids enjoy a lot. CDs are great for the kids to have their own music in their rooms too. Now I’ll either be forced to pay double the price at Coles and Sanity or wait until it comes on TV and record it. Thank goodness for the Video Ezy booths. We enjoy picking those on a Friday night now.”
One upset customer, Karina Sanders, said she will now have to drive 45 minutes away to her nearest Sanity store to purchase DVDs and CDs, after her local Kmart cleared its stock earlier this month.
“All DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray titles had 25 per cent off tags and there were very few children’s titles to choose from,” said Karina, who has relied on the retailer for DVDs for many years. “I buy them for my two girls and it will cost me more and be an inconvenience. I have checked online and had other people check for DVDs I am wanting, but they haven’t been able to find them.”
How do you feel about Kmart’s decision to remove all DVDs and CDs from stores and online? Let us know in the comments below.