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$15 Kmart hack that'll transform your kitchen

<p>Who doesn't love a cheap hack? </p> <p>For the past few months shoppers have been obsessed with a $15 bathroom item from Kmart, but not for its intended use. </p> <p>Shoppers have used the retailer’s 3 Tier Floor Caddy, which was originally designed to organise toiletries and save floor space, as a coffee station that's not only practical, but looks nice as well. </p> <p>One shopper took it to the next level, by using the $31 Flexi Storage Decorative Shelving from Bunnings and attaching it to two of the Kmart floor caddies to display plants alongside the DIY coffee station. </p> <p>She initially bought the shelves to install on her kitchen wall, but after finding out they weren't sturdy enough, it has been sitting in her home, until she saw the Kmart caddy hack. </p> <p>“I bought these floating shelves from Bunnings but after reading the reviews I found that people had said they are not great! And I was too lazy to take them back,” she wrote.</p> <p>“Then I saw this Kmart hack with the shower caddies and I’m very happy with the result.”</p> <p>Shoppers were impressed with the finished results, praising the "incredible" idea. </p> <p> “This looks excellent. Like you, we have a small kitchen with very limited shelving. You’ve inspired me to do the same,” one wrote. </p> <p>“Awesome, looks amazing,” another added, while a third commented, “That’s so clever, thanks for sharing”.</p> <p>However a few others didn't get the hype, with one saying: “I don’t get coffee stations. Not saying it’s bad. Just think it creates more clutter." </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook/ Kmart</em></p> <p> </p>

Home & Garden

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Woolworths under fire for dropping Australia Day merch

<p>Woolworths has come under fire for their decision to stop selling Australia Day merchandise, as the January 26th public holiday continues to be a controversial topic. </p> <p>The supermarket giant shared that the reason for pulling Aussie decorations off the shelves was due to the “gradual decline” in demand for the merchandise over the years and “broader discussion” about the January 26th date and “what it means” to different parts of the community.</p> <p>“While Australian flags are sold within BIG W all year round, we don’t have any additional themed merchandise available to purchase in-store in our Supermarkets or BIG W ahead of Australia Day,” a spokesperson said.</p> <p>“We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.”</p> <p>Woolworths confirmed on Wednesday that no additional Australia Day-themed merch would be sold in its supermarkets or Big W stores for this year’s public holiday, with patriots around the country quickly hitting back. </p> <p>Leading the backlash was shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, with the right-wing politician saying the decision was "disappointing", adding he didn’t “understand what it is with this constant desire to divide us”.</p> <div id="indie-campaign-DifJheZrCrms7j4pmefw-0" data-campaign-name="NCA FINANCE Cashed Up Newsletter OneClick SignUp" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1645448400000" data-to="1711803600000"></div> <p>“Australians are proud of their country for the most part and proud of our identity, and they want to see us as a united nation,” he told Channel Nine. </p> <p>He said corporations like Woolworths “need to get on with it”.</p> <p>Mr Taylor was backed up by the shadow minister for education Senator Sarah Henderson, who said the decision was “not good enough”. </p> <p>“If gouging customers on fruit and vegetable prices is not enough, Woolworths is now withdrawing from sale Australia Day merchandise,” she posted on X. </p> <p>“Australia Day is a day for celebrating our freedoms, our values, and our unique Australian way of life.”</p> <p>Despite the outrage, other major shops decided to follow in Woolworths' lead, with Kmart also deciding not to sell any merchandise for January 26th for the second year in a row. </p> <p>Coles have shared they will still be stocking a "small range" of Australia-themed products for those who wish to celebrate the public holiday. </p> <p>The decision to scrap the merch comes after the "Change The Date" movement has gained more traction over the years, with many arguing that Australia Day should be celebrated on a different day. </p> <p>January 26th celebrated the arrival of Captain Cook and the First Fleet into Sydney in 1788: a date which holds a lot of anguish for Indigenous Australians. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Kmart and Target join forces to create mega discount stores

<p dir="ltr">Two of Australia’s favourite retail giants are about to get better in a huge merger creating a $10 billion discount giant.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wesfarmers is set to fold Target into Kmart with hopes that it will improve sales, provide better value for customers, and allow both stores to share backend technology.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ian Bailey the Managing Director of Kmart Group has said that there will be “no impact” to stores, and that the move was an "internal reorganisation".</p> <p dir="ltr">"With customers now demanding value more than ever, this new operating model will unlock a new level of scale and productivity across both brands, so we can deliver even greater value to our customers in the future," he said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">"For store networks and 50,000 store team members – it's business as usual – as we continue to focus on providing the best value products to the thousands of customers in Australia and New Zealand who choose to shop at Kmart or Target every day."</p> <p dir="ltr">The move comes as the cost of living crisis is forcing more and more Aussies to be mindful of their spending habits.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement to the <em>The Australian Financial Review</em>, Bailey said that there would likely be “a handful of redundancies" but more jobs overall by next year.</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that one of the benefits of tighter integration and better technology is the ease in which the prices of products can be reduced.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that the price drop on 1000 Kmart products this month was assisted by merchandise planning tools and a self-navigating inventory scanning robot.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Kmart and Target are both strong businesses. I don't see us doing this from a position of weakness. It's quite the opposite,” he told the publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'd say we're strong, but I think there's an opportunity to really capitalise on this time and find ways to continue to deliver better value for customers."</p> <p dir="ltr">"What we found was that running two businesses it was very, very difficult to get the tech into Target, and to get those benefits. This is really why we decided to push the two businesses into one."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Money & Banking

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“Very questionable”: Kmart mocked after customer's "ridiculous" delivery

<p>A woman has taken to Facebook to mock Kmart over her recent delivery.</p> <p>The shopper shared on Facebook she had ordered a 20mm combination padlock from Kmart and was caught by surprise when it was delivered to her home on February 13. </p> <p>The woman had received a large cardboard box, and when she opened it, it was filled to the brim with plastic wrap to protect the item. However, once she dug out the plastic, she saw a small padlock at the bottom of the unnecessarily large box.</p> <p>“My delivery arrived today,” the woman said on Facebook.</p> <p>Other Kmart fans were shocked by the large box for such a small item, with many users deeming it “ridiculous.”</p> <p>“Omg! Seriously,” a user commented.</p> <p>"Ridiculous honestly yet a pair of jeans get scrunched up into a bag for delivery," another added.</p> <p>"It's absolutely rubbish that they waste like that," a third chimed in.</p> <p>Another comment read, ”How ironic ... how easy is it to break this lock that it needs to be so protected when shipped? Would you need it if it is so fragile? Very questionable Kmart ... What a waste,”</p> <p>Many other users joined in on the teasing, claiming they also received small items delivered in unnecessarily large boxes. </p> <p>"This happened to us recently with a car air freshener," one shopper said.</p> <p>"Yeah they keep sending me one item in a stupidly big box. I’d be much more appreciative of multiple items jammed into a big box to stop wastage or happy to wait for all items to be ready together," another claimed.</p> <p>"I thought my three bowls packed like this was bad!" another commented.</p> <p>Back in May 2021, another Kmart shopper complained that she received a small book in a “huge box.”</p> <p>Although some said it was “terrible”, other users claimed the size of the box shouldn’t matter because it’s recyclable. </p> <p>A Kmart spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle that the complaints have been forwarded to Kmart’s online team, and they will reassess how they manage and replenish packaging materials. </p> <p>"Regrettably, in this instance, it appears the team member who has packed this order did not have available or use the most appropriately sized packaging components," the spokesperson said.</p> <p>"While our team are trained and aim to minimise packaging use and waste, it is likely that they did not have access to appropriately sized packaging options so used what was available in an effort to pack and dispatch this order as quickly as possible."</p> <p>Image credit: Facebook</p>

Food & Wine

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Clever Bunnings and Kmart scams to be wary of

<p dir="ltr">Aussies have once again become targets to scammers offering them a job at Bunnings or Kmart that pays extremely well. </p> <p dir="ltr">Scammers are taking to Facebook targetting desperate job seekers asking for their personal details via WhatsApp. </p> <p dir="ltr">The ad is offering $48 and $75 for part-time or full-time work and attempts to appeal to those who have no experience, same day pay, and the opportunity to complete training on the phone.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bunnings confirmed that they are aware of the scam and are working on taking it down, advising job seekers to be wary.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the latest scams is a Facebook post asking for your personal details via WhatsApp to apply for a job with us,’ the retailer said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Another one is an email with an offer to win a Bunnings gift card if you click a link. We place a lot of time and effort into recruiting our amazing team, and we’re in no way associated with this activity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We also don’t ask for personal information or banking details in unsolicited communications.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Kmart also confirmed they are aware of the scam and are warning customers to not fall for it, instead to apply on the website.</p> <p dir="ltr">The ACCC’s Scamwatch explained that the ads are some of the easiest ways for scammers to steal money. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If you provide your bank account details, the scammer may use them to steal your money or commit other fraudulent activities,” their website reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Be suspicious of unsolicited ‘work from home’ opportunities or job offers, particularly those that offer a ‘guaranteed income’ or require you to pay an upfront fee.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

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Aussie mum's thrifty Kmart renovation hack

<p>Home décor on a budget has become the latest phenomenon this past year, with creative women showing off their inspiring rooms that look a lot more expensive than they actually are.</p> <p>The most recent is a mother who has stunned thousands after completely transforming her home for less than $20,000.</p> <p>Stay-at-home mum Rebecca Townsend proudly shares photos of her creations through her Instagram account and says that except for the fireplace and air conditioning system, everything else is the result of her and her husband’s hard work.</p> <p>She managed to find affordable duplicates of designer pieces in order to create a “slice of heaven” on a budget.</p> <p>“With help from family and a lot of hard work, we’ve managed to not have one trade come through the house, we’re pretty proud of that,” she told the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6251367/Mother-transforms-home-using-Kmart-versions-designer-decor.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a>.</em></p> <p>“We repurposed and recycled things to save on costs so we can splash out on big ticket items such as the mirror splash back and heater.”</p> <p>The kitchen was torn down, including the surrounding four walls, only a few days after they moved into their new home.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BblAO_EjBSR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BblAO_EjBSR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rebecca Townsend (@champagne_dreaming_on_budget)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Certain clock designs can put shoppers back hundreds of dollars, but thanks to Ms Townsend's savvy skills, she managed to find a replica for $19, which features a wooden backing to give a more rustic appearance.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl9Bh_7nLbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl9Bh_7nLbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Early morning cuddles in bed with Mr.2 ..and every.single.teddy he owns 🤦‍♀️ I’ve got a corner of the mattress, but I wouldn’t have it any other way 🤷‍♀️✨🌟 Enjoy your day instafam 😚 . . . Tap for sources🌟✨ . . . #earlymorninghangs #styling #loungeroominspo #howihome #myfabhome #mydomaine #apartmenttherapy #homeinspo #interior123 #plantmom #planteriordesign #plantsofinstagram #itsajungleinhere #crazyplantlady #rustic #interiormilk #styleitdark #industrialdesign #mybohotribe #chickswithplants #myhomevibe #boholocs #bohemian #thehecticeclectic #kmartstyling #styleonadime #showmeyourstyled #hyggehome #actualinstagramhomes #cornerofmyhome</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/champagne_dreaming_on_budget/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Rebecca Townsend</a> (@champagne_dreaming_on_budget) on Aug 1, 2018 at 3:44pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>To further cut down on costs, Ms Townsend purchased many items second-hand, which resulted in huge savings.</p> <p>In the past, the mother-of-one shared her and her husband’s work after they decorated their bathroom using items from Kmart, ALDI and eBay, totalling to $800.</p> <p>“You don’t need to spend a lot these days to get the designer look, you just need to be savvy, wait for the specials and shop around,” she said.</p> <p>“The bathroom is the only room we didn’t rip apart the moment we moved in, we just cleverly designed it on a budget with items mostly from Kmart to make it more designer.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn2gJjiHpMS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn2gJjiHpMS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YES, I’m back! Well, I’m back ..yes, I’m BACK IN BLACK!!! . . . Black is the new black guysss and I’m all over it like a bee on a flower 🐝 (there’s a spring reference for you there 😉) . . . The bathroom is the only room in the house we didn’t completely gut the moment we walked in the door from getting the keys, we’ve just cleverly decorated it to make it ✨POP✨on a very tight budget of $800! This completely decked the room out from top to bottom including swapping all the hardware out for the more modern black look, you just need to be savvy and look for the bargains (don’t be afraid to be stingy 😜) and get your hands dirty with some #diy the money you save on the little things allows you to splash out on the bigger ticket items! . . . ✨I’ll go into more detail in my stories 🙏 ✨ . . . #diystories #blackonblack #backinblack #bathroomdecor #bathroom #bathroominspo #bathroomremodel #luxuryinteriorsonabudget #cornerofmyhome #newinteriorsontheblock #actualinstagramhomes #apartmenttherapy #interior123 #interior_design #designsponge #interiormilk #howihome #homeinspo #industrialdesign #kmartstyling #kmartaus #styleitdark #styleonadime #deliciousdarkdecor #interiorboom #myhomevibe #myhometrend #dailydecordetail #livefabulousandfearless</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/champagne_dreaming_on_budget/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Rebecca Townsend</a> (@champagne_dreaming_on_budget) on Sep 17, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ms Townsend hopes that her décor-on-a-budget will help inspire other people to step out of their comfort zone.</p> <p>Her and her husband worked together on this home project during the time their baby was on home oxygen and was in and out of hospital.</p> <p>“After our son was born at 23 weeks gestation and spent 125 days in hospital, we bought this house when he was only seven months old and on home oxygen, but it didn’t deter us from creating a wonderful home for him to grow up and into,” she said.</p> <p>“Whatever challenges you may face, don’t put renovating off if it will provide you with happiness, if we can do it on a budget through all our ups and downs, you can too.”</p>

Home Hints & Tips

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"They used to be better": Nostalgic Kmart pic sparks huge debate

<p dir="ltr">A teenage history buff has sent Aussie shoppers on a trip down memory lane after sharing a throwback photo of a Kmart store in 1995.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jimmy Borg, a prolific contributor to the Facebook group Old Shops of Australia, downloaded the image from an annual report in the Coles Myer national archives as part of personal research he was undertaking.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m passionate about history and seeing how things were in the past,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The image shows the entrance of a Kmart store, with a caption underneath revealing that three new stores had opened across Australia at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“New stores opened in Indooroopilly (Queensland), Parramatta (New South Wales) and Chadstone (Victoria), together with an additional 15 refurbished stores,” the caption reads.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4f7cbbc9-7fff-c875-28fb-46fc22ad2a2c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The 19-year-old shared the photo to the group earlier this week, describing it as “the Kmart we all remember, the Kmart we’ll never see again”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/kmart127.png" alt="" width="671" height="682" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Jimmy Borg sparked a debate about the controversial layout of Kmart stores when he shared a throwback photo of a Kmart in days gone by. Image: Facebook</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <em><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/kmart-customers-rage-over-modern-checkouts-after-spotting-detail-in-27-year-old-photo-001746584.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a></em>, Borg said he wasn’t a fan of the “new format” at Kmart stores, including the location of registers in the middle of the store, and preferred the Kmart layout pictured in the historical image.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This was the Kmart I grew up with and the one I remember where you could buy garden plants and parts for my bikes and scooters,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I remember the cool Kmart where you could buy consoles, DVDs, CDs, TVs before they changed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He isn’t alone in his frustrations either, adding that many people who saw his post had “strong” nostalgia for Kmart as it was.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many shoppers shared their particular dislike of the new placement of checkouts, with some noting it made for some uncomfortable interactions with staff.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I still can not get over the ridiculous centre store payment hub... baffles me every time I shop there! What genius thought of that?” one person wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“People pay, get their things and themselves organised to leave and are then stopped by security for proof of purchase,” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I've never been back since they started this and their discrimination!"</p> <p dir="ltr">The image also prompted some to reminisce on the things they loved about previous iterations of Kmart, with one man recalling how its gardening section was filled with people on a Saturday morning and others pointing out surprising products that used to be sold there, including guns and cigarettes.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Back in the 1970s they had everything including a restaurant," one person shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I loved the cafeteria in our local Kmart, kids loved it in school holidays as we went often for lunch, good times that will never be seen again, so sad,"another added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a94dd9e0-7fff-18bd-2320-c339d750bd4b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Bunnings and Kmart investigated for use of potentially "unethical" tech

<p dir="ltr">Some of Australia’s biggest retailers are being investigated for potentially invading customer privacy with facial recognition technology. </p> <p dir="ltr">Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys have been found to be using facial recognition technology on unsuspecting customers.</p> <p dir="ltr">CHOICE has referred the retailers to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to investigate potential breaches of the Privacy Act.</p> <p dir="ltr">Facial recognition analyses images from video cameras to capture each person’s unique facial features, known as a faceprint. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The use of facial recognition by Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys is a completely inappropriate and unnecessary use of the technology,” CHOICE consumer data advocate Kate Bower said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“To make matters worse, we found 76% of Australians aren’t aware that retailers are capturing their unique facial features in this way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Bower slammed the use of the technology which she said is unethical and affects consumer’s trust. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Using facial recognition technology in this way is similar to Kmart, Bunnings or The Good Guys collecting your fingerprints or DNA every time you shop,” she went on. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Businesses using invasive technologies to capture their customers’ sensitive biometric information is unethical and is a sure way to erode consumer trust.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After conducting a survey, CHOICE found that four in five respondents agreed that retailers must inform consumers about the use of facial recognition.</p> <p dir="ltr">Four in five people had concerns about how the biometric data was stored, and three in four respondents were concerned that retailers would use the data to create customer profiles for marketing or profit purposes. </p> <p dir="ltr">“CHOICE observed that Kmart and Bunnings display small signs at the entrance of stores where the technology is in use. However, discreet signage and online privacy policies are not nearly enough to adequately inform shoppers that this controversial technology is in use,” Ms Bower said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The technology is capturing highly personal data from customers, including infants and children.</p> <p dir="ltr">“CHOICE is concerned that Australian businesses are using facial recognition technology on consumers before Australians have had their say on its use in our community. </p> <p dir="ltr">“With the government currently undergoing a review of the Privacy Act, now is the perfect time to strengthen measures around the capture and use of consumer data, including biometric data.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Shutterstock/Twitter</em></p>

Technology

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Scam alert: Kmart customers targeted in bargain hunting Facebook groups

<p>Kmart customers have been warned about a new scam circulating in bargain hunting Facebook groups.</p> <p>They have been warned to watch for advertisements offering Nintendo Switches for $2.95.</p> <p>The fake Facebook post has been circulating in parents' groups online and has already fooled a number of Aussies into handing their card details over.</p> <p>The post includes a photograph showing a doctored Kmart price tag displaying that the gaming device has been reduced from $379.86 to $2.95.</p> <p>It also claims that the lower price point is due to a contract dispute between Kmart and Nintendo.</p> <p>Not only is this is factually incorrect, but it is one of the first signs something is obviously fake, as it is too-good-to-be-true.</p> <p>“Kmart broke its contract with Nintendo and is giving away a Nintendo Switch game console to every Australian for $2.95,” the caption on the scam post reads.</p> <p>One shopper claimed her friend had lost $700 after falling for the scam, as the fraudsters took her bank details and withdrew money.</p> <p>“BEWARE. Another scam page going around, also there is a Dyson one,” she said.</p> <p>“Do not fall for it. Friend did and has lost around $700. They just keep taking from your bank. Can't stop it unless you email them and threaten with lawyers.”</p> <p>“Unfortunately I was one of those people who thought it was real,” another woman said.</p> <p>Some believe the advertisement is so fake it's the consumers fault that they fell for it in the first place.</p> <p>“Phishing messages are designed to look genuine, and often copy the format used by the organisation the scammer is pretending to represent, including their branding and logo,” ACCC's Scamwatch website said.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Random act of Kmart kindness found by teenager

<p>A Queensland teenager has shared a heartwarming story of how she found a hidden gift while shopping for Kmart candles.</p> <p>The girl's mum Katherine shared a picture to a Kmart decor Facebook page that showed a $20 note with a note attached that reads, "If you found this, it's yours."</p> <p>"Keep it as a reminder of your abundance! Money is energy and there's an infinite supply available."</p> <p>Katherine added in the post, "Whomever you are who shared your wealth to people, may God bless you and your family."</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/KMART-MONEY-NOTE.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p> <p>Kmart customers and social media users quickly noticed that the thoughtful gesture came from influencer Isabelle Grace, who shared a photo of her hiding the notes and cash on her Instagram story. </p> <p>The young mum told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/the-unbelievable-story-behind-one-kmart-shoppers-20-cash-find-in-local-queensland-store-c-5701605" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a> that she had placed the four $20 bills around the store with the intention of making someone's day a little brighter. </p> <p>"I did four, I wanted to do five and take out $100. But I needed $20 notes, so ended up getting out $80 so I could do four different notes," she said.</p> <p>"And I went around and hid them in different spots around Kmart and I kind of felt a little bit like a weirdo for some reason, but it was actually lots of fun."</p> <p>Katherine said her teenage daughter will keep the cash and "pay it forward" to pass on the kind gesture.</p> <p>The post on Facebook has racked up thousands of likes, with many commenting about the selfless act from the influencer. </p> <p>"I love random acts of kindness, the domino effect of it is truly so amazing and humbling," one person wrote.</p> <p>"That's a lovely gesture. Hope you found your abundance, I feel it doesn't have to always be money," another added.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook - Kmart Home Decor &amp; Hacks / Instagram @Isabellegrace</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Surprise warning for Kmart air fryer stuns Aussie mums

<p>A loyal Kmart fan is raising awareness about an often-overlooked warning regarding the popular air fryer, after finding something concerning in her kitchen.</p> <p>Kmart customer Rita shared her concerns to popular “Mums Who Build, Renovate &amp; Decorate” Facebook group after she noticed something strange happening with the bottom of her air fryer.</p> <p>“You hear all the horror stories about air fryers cracking benches (so glad I heard them) so I found this great terrazzo tray that matches my bench at Kmart, and it has cracked” Rita wrote.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843941/new-project-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d9205f4e74ee4e0ba9f4cc332a00caa1" /></p> <p><em>Image: Facebook </em></p> <p>“But at least it isn’t the bench!”</p> <p>The recently purchased terrazzo tray from Kmart was placed underneath her air fryer to protect the bench-top from heat damage, after hearing air fryers were at risk to damage surfaces they sit on due to their heat.</p> <p>As per Kmart’s instruction manual, air fryers should be placed and used on a “stable, horizontal, flat and heat-resistant” surface. The company also recommends putting the air fryer on an insulated heat pad.</p> <p>Rita was shocked the terrazzo tray had cracked from the heat underneath her air fryer and went out seeking advice from fellow Facebook group members.</p> <p>“Do I leave it and ignore the crack? Buy another but it will probably happen again or use something else?”.</p> <p>A large amount of group members came forward and said they had no idea air fryers came with this warning and were capable of doing this, whereas others had sage pieces of advice.</p> <p>“Wow, I’ve never heard that! We use ours on a stone bench and I guess I have just been lucky” one user writes. Another said “this is news to me too”.</p> <p>One group member shared she has hers kept on a thick wooden chopping board, also from Kmart. Another member made a similar suggestion although she doesn’t have a stone bench and claims her air fryer has never damaged her laminate bench.</p> <p>Thick wooden chopping boards or heat proof mats were among the most popular suggestions.</p>

Food & Wine

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“Did you know about this?”: Incredible Kmart hack you didn’t know you needed

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A post on TikTok has gone viral after one user shared an amazing Kmart feature that could revolutionise the way you shop online. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rangihuia Woods (@rangihuiawoods) was taken aback when she realised the retailer allowed shoppers to view a piece of furniture in their own home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By clicking “view in your space” when on a certain piece of furniture’s page, users get to see just exactly how it would fit in real life through augmented reality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I just wanted to show you guys to see if I’m the only one who didn’t know about this,” Rangihuia said in a post.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The video showed how if a shopper went to the site and clicked on “view your space”, they would then be taken to a page that provides AR experience. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842448/evergreen-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/538b54a559444a50b346aae222ea8bc8" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The feature says that in order for it to work, users must “point your camera at the floor or the surface and move it side to side”. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The hallway table then is shown to virtually appear on her camera, inside her home so she can see how it fits into the space. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So you can use it on your phone and you can place it in your house!” she said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What the hell?!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kmart reportedly launched the feature back in September last year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842449/evergreen-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e5db16745800421496b63bac3710ae7b" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The retailer also launched a new chatbot called KBot Assist to answer any questions one might have about a product.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The immersive AR and AI experience was designed to bring joy and inspiration to customers’ lives,” Kmart head of digital Melissa Wong explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“With extra help from our AI chatbot personality – KBot assist – we have been able to make shopping easier for customers by sprinkling delight across the customer journey,” she added.</span></p>

Retirement Life

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Kmart label fail sends shoppers into stitches

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Kmart shopper has spotted a hilariously incorrect warning on a label attached to a branded set of curtain lights. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Taking to the Kmart decor Facebook group, the customer shared the bizarre label with fellow shoppers that read: “if the cable of the light chain is damaged, it cannot be repaired and the dog must be destroyed.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842427/kmart-plus-lynne-home-and-away.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3adc5a974cf14ea5859018831457badd" /></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Facebook</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The woman captioned the hilarious image with: “I guess it’s a good thing we’re not dog people. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Who knew string lights could do such a thing?” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many could not decipher what the typo or intended joke actually meant, but the bizarre instructions left Facebook users in stitches. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That’s a bit harsh,” one person wrote. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That escalated quickly,” another added. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What bloody dog?!” a third comment read. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another shopper offered a hilarious alternative to the label, suggesting that the “person who wrote this was like ‘I wonder if anyone actually reads these… let’s put something weird and see.” </span></p>

Beauty & Style

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Former Kmart employee shares store secrets

<p>A former Kmart employee is sharing the company's biggest secrets and revealing the hacks that every shopper should know.</p> <p>The video has gone viral with more than 22,000 views.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H1EcAGvq4q8"></iframe></div> <p>She also explained why checking barcodes is VERY important while shopping at Kmart.</p> <p>"The last digit on the barcode changes after every new season," she said.</p> <p>"So if there are two toasters that look exactly the same and the last digit of one barcode is eight and the other is nine, the one with the eight should be cheaper.</p> <p>"It has to be the same model, they just tweak the product and the price I found doesn’t come up straight away on the system."</p> <p>She also revealed the best time to go shopping, which is between 8 am and 5 pm.</p> <p>“This is when the full-time and very experienced staff members are working, so they are more able to answer your questions," she explained.</p> <p>The best time for bargain hunting is right after Christmas and Easter.</p> <p>"On Boxing Day there’s a whole section that drops down to between five cents and $5 but it is usually wiped out on Boxing Day by customers so it’s good to come in early.</p> <p>"In between campaign periods like “Back To School” they would mark things down because it’s not as busy but a lot of the times, quite randomly, they will slash the prices of a bulk number of books, clothes or appliances.</p> <p>"It’s usually when a newer model/garment has been updated, fixed or isn’t selling.</p> <p>"The price will drop down drastically but the item doesn’t really change by much."</p>

Money & Banking

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“It’s real!”: Warning over new Kmart receipt scam

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Kmart customer has shared a worrying receipt scam that may have already affected thousands of shoppers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sharing the details on a popular Facebook page, shopper Amanda revealed how she had discovered the scam when she went to her local store to return some products.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After realising she’d left her receipt behind in a shopping trolley in the belief she wouldn’t need it, the Sydney mum used her internet banking statement to prove her purchases.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It wasn’t until a member of Kmart’s customer service team looked up her transaction that they made the discovery that someone had already returned all the items on her receipt.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s believed the scammer found Amanda’s discarded receipt and collected the items listed on the docket before returning the items at the Kmart service desk and asking for a refund.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Customer Service at Kmart are happy for me to share a nasty experience today,” Amanda wrote on the North Shore Mums (Sydney) Facebook page.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“On Thursday, I purchased a number of items, including five boxes of coat hangers at $10 a box.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“On the way out of the store, I showed the exit attendant my proof of purchase and threw the receipt into the trolley (where it stayed).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I realised I had no receipt when I returned today to bring back the coat hangers (my hubby bought same from IKEA) so went to customer service and showed the transaction on my internet banking - which they matched on their computer,” she continued.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Kmart refunds lady informed me that I had already returned all my purchases that day in the Bondi store.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Turns out, somebody picked up my receipt - walked around Kmart collecting the same items, and then took them for a refund!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s a real thing! She promised to share the store manager’s findings when they review the video of the Bondi store.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fellow shoppers were shocked by her story.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The amount of times I’ve accidentally left my receipt in a trolley or in a bin without even thinking,” one said. “Never again. That’s just shocking.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another said: “I always see people’s receipts in the bottom of trolleys. I wonder how many people have been scammed and never even knew?”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Facebook</span></em></p>

Money & Banking

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Best-kept Kmart secrets from a former employee

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A former Kmart employee has revealed the shopping hacks every customer should see.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a video titled ‘10 Kmart Secrets From A Former Employee’, which has already gone viral on YouTube, Rita Kaminski shares tips on how to nab the best deals and when the best times to shop are.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 23-year-old, who worked at Kmart for four years, revealed the important reason why you should check your barcodes before heading to the checkout.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The last digit on the barcode changes every new season,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So if there are two toasters that look exactly the same and the last digit of one barcode is eight and the other is nine, the one with the eight should be cheaper.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She added: “It has to be the same model, they just tweak the product and the price I found doesn’t come up straight away on the system.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rita also shared tips on how to trawl through the store to pick up a bargain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A lot of the stock will always change in price,” she said. “If it’s something that isn’t in the catalogue but it has been in the store for a long time, especially clothes, they can sometimes go on sale for as little as $1.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There was a time when every single book was discounted to 20 cents. I bought about 20 books,” she revealed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So if you’re into flipping items make sure you keep checking clothes, books and makeup as well.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She added that the best time to shop is between 8am and 5pm, when “the full-time and experienced staff members are working, so they are more able to answer your questions”, and that the clothing, books and makeup sections have the best reductions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rita also shared the best times during the year when you can nab a bargain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The best bargains are right after Christmas and after Easter,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“On Boxing Day there’s a whole section that drops down to between five cents and $5 but it is usually wiped out on Boxing Day by customers so it’s good to come in early.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In between campaigns like “Back to School” you can also find products marked down across books, clothes, or appliances.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s usually when a newer model/garment has been updated, fixed or isn’t selling,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The price will drop down drastically but the item doesn’t really change by much.”</span></p>

Money & Banking

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Kmart accused of enforcing gender stereotypes on kids

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A customer has complained about Kmart’s range of children’s clothing, accusing the retail giant of “gender stereotyping”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a Facebook post, shopper Swagata said she was frustrated by the differences in Kmart’s range of kids t-shirts for boys versus girls.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She claimed that the designs of girls tops included words such as “love”, “more love”, and “smile” while boys tops featured phrases like “adventure”, “wild woodlands”, and “alpine trails”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Could you possibly be more gender stereotyping with your kids clothes?” the shopper wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She went on to suggest kids clothes should be gender neutral to give shoppers and kids a wider choice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Thumbs down from this parent,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The complaint comes after a recent petition called on Kmart to stop separating children’s clothing into “boys” and “girls” sections and instead offer one range for all children, claiming the retailer was sending the “wrong” message to kids.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Many parents of young boys will tell you their son loves pink, rainbows and flowers but simply cannot wear clothes in these styles like girls do without taking them from the girls section, which sends a strong message that the things they like are ‘wrong’,” the petition read.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Similarly, many parents of girls lament the lack of dinosaurs, trucks and non-frilly styles in the girls’ section.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, the petition has received some backlash from parents.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t mind if they want to remove the ‘Boys’ and ‘Girls’ signage and just make a ‘Children’s’ section,” one commentor wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But please don’t mix the actual clothing items up so that we have to trawl through racks of ‘boys’ clothes to get to the ‘girls’ clothes we actually want, or vice versa.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Kmart spokesperson previously told 7NEWS.com.au that the store embraces inclusion and diversity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“At Kmart, we are proud to offer customers a wide range of children’s clothing in lots of different styles and it’s certainly not our intention to stereotype children based on gender,” the spokesperson said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The store layout reflects a majority of the way our Kmart customers shop and the difference between our boys and girls apparel range (in terms of fit) is marginal, so all customers have the opportunity to shop both areas for children.”</span></p>

Beauty & Style

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