Discover the secret store that's helped shoppers beat the cost of living crunch!

In an era where the cost of living seems to be perpetually on the rise, finding ways to stretch the dollar without compromising on quality or necessity has become a survival skill.

For many Aussies, particularly those who are often managing on fixed incomes, the challenge is even more pronounced. But amidst the financial squeeze, a beacon of hope shines from an unexpected source: Kmart.


For over 20 years, savvy shoppers have been turning to this budget retailer as their 'secret weapon' against the cost of living crisis.

The stories are as inspiring as they are practical, with one man's experience standing out as a testament to the value found within Kmart's aisles.


Screenshot 2024-01-11 114641.png
Budget-friendly Aussies tend to shop at Kmart to combat the cost of living crisis. Image: Reddit


This gentleman's tale of completely revamping his wardrobe for a mere $150 is not just about the savings; it's a narrative of smart consumerism.

With 13 items, including six t-shirts, two singlets, two pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, a short sleeve shirt, and a hat, he found a way to look good without breaking the bank.

His success story has resonated with thousands, sparking a wave of testimonials from others who have discovered Kmart's affordable treasures.

The appeal of Kmart's clothing range is evident in the feedback from customers who have found both style and durability at prices that seem almost too good to be true.


Men's t-shirts, comfortable jeans, and complete children's outfits for daycare are just a few examples of the bargains that have won the hearts of budget-conscious Australians.

'Kmart has some good stuff at reasonable prices, and I'm usually happy with the quality. The $5 men's t-shirts have been a godsend,' one said.

'I buy my $7 jeans from there, and they're super comfy,' another wrote.

'It's great for buying kids clothes! My daughter starts daycare soon; I bought her multiple outfits for $30, so if she gets paint on them or they rip, it won't matter. The shirts were $3.50 each,' a mum said.

But Kmart's impact extends beyond the wardrobe. The retailer's kitchen and household collection has garnered praise for its longevity and value.


From home appliances that's lasted over a decade, these products have proven that low cost doesn't have to mean low quality.

'I bought a $9 rice cooker from Kmart over ten years ago, and it's still going strong. Some stuff they have is awesome,' a man said.

'I have a $30 microwave from over 20 years ago that still works,' another shared.

'My husband was convinced I was going to burn the house down with my $10 toastie maker—but it lasted a decade,' another said.

While Kmart's offerings have provided a lifeline for many, there's also a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism.

Some shoppers are advocating for a more sustainable approach, emphasising the importance of the secondhand market.


Platforms like Marketplace and Gumtree are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to reduce waste and find pre-loved items that still have plenty of life left in them.

The conversation around Kmart's role in helping Australians navigate the cost of living crisis is complex.

It's not just about finding the cheapest deal; it's about making informed choices that balance financial constraints with personal needs and societal responsibilities.

As we continue to face economic uncertainties, stories like these serve as a reminder that with a bit of ingenuity and a willingness to explore all options, it's possible to maintain a standard of living that doesn't compromise on the essentials.

The success of budget-friendly stores in providing affordable solutions is a lesson in resourcefulness and adaptability, qualities that are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in today's economy.


So, whether you're updating your wardrobe, equipping your kitchen, or simply seeking ways to make your pension stretch further, it's worth taking a page from the book of similar-minded devotees.

After all, who wouldn't want to discover their own secret weapon in the battle against the cost of living?

Key Takeaways
  • Australians are utilising Kmart as an economical solution to replace their wardrobes affordably, to cope with the cost of living crisis.
  • Kmart's clothing and housewares are praised for their reasonable prices and surprising durability, with items lasting for years or even decades.
  • Some consumers advocate for secondhand purchases as a more sustainable option to reduce landfill waste.
  • This story showcases personal accounts from Kmart shoppers who have found longevity in products such as a rice cooker, microwave, toaster, and clothing.

Have you had your own experiences with Kmart or other budget-friendly strategies that have helped them manage their finances?

Share your stories in the comments below, and let's continue to support each other in finding the best deals!
 
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I personally have not had a great experience with kmarts electricals . I've purchased quite a few items including toaster, hotplates and deep fryer and there is only one item I actually love and would recommend and it's the large grill plate for $45

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The other kmart item Items I've purchased and love are their jegging jeans, I purchased a white pair only to go back and buy a pair in both light denim and black. They are so soft, stretchy and comfortable and only cost $25

2fcd7fca-1084-4fb2-aed3-d3dafad667f3.jpg60b70e68-b472-40b8-8261-fd6d21e1f3ac.jpg79dc6d9d-1a72-49b7-86a6-c8b6ffeb97b9.jpg
 
I have a KMart hand mixer my sister bought me probably twenty five years ago. And believe me it gets used a lot. I bought a new one about five years ago because I was convinced it wouldn’t last much longer and I didn’t want to be caught out mid cake. But it is still in the box and old faithful continues to work hard.
 
Always check out Kmart first. But lately I have gone to Temu online. I figure they are both China made so may as well compare. We are all living in a country with good wages and spending third world pricing plus gst
Temu is my go to these days.for just about everything. I've had no complaints about anything. Their service is prompt, no shipping cost.
The quality of the clothes I have bought is much better than KMart,
and a much larger range to choose from.
 
I ve bought quite a few things from temu as well recently, was very happy with the quality of some of the clothes, but other things were just cheap rubbish. So I m back at kmart where I can actually have a look at the product. I suppose it s the usual difference between shopping online and in store, though....
 
I bought a Sunbeam toaster and kettle at least 10 years ago from Kmart, still going strong. Will go back if they go. I have only bought two tops from Temu and was happy with them. Just as good as Millers etc.
 
In an era where the cost of living seems to be perpetually on the rise, finding ways to stretch the dollar without compromising on quality or necessity has become a survival skill.

For many Aussies, particularly those who are often managing on fixed incomes, the challenge is even more pronounced. But amidst the financial squeeze, a beacon of hope shines from an unexpected source: Kmart.


For over 20 years, savvy shoppers have been turning to this budget retailer as their 'secret weapon' against the cost of living crisis.

The stories are as inspiring as they are practical, with one man's experience standing out as a testament to the value found within Kmart's aisles.


View attachment 39045
Budget-friendly Aussies tend to shop at Kmart to combat the cost of living crisis. Image: Reddit


This gentleman's tale of completely revamping his wardrobe for a mere $150 is not just about the savings; it's a narrative of smart consumerism.

With 13 items, including six t-shirts, two singlets, two pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, a short sleeve shirt, and a hat, he found a way to look good without breaking the bank.

His success story has resonated with thousands, sparking a wave of testimonials from others who have discovered Kmart's affordable treasures.

The appeal of Kmart's clothing range is evident in the feedback from customers who have found both style and durability at prices that seem almost too good to be true.


Men's t-shirts, comfortable jeans, and complete children's outfits for daycare are just a few examples of the bargains that have won the hearts of budget-conscious Australians.

'Kmart has some good stuff at reasonable prices, and I'm usually happy with the quality. The $5 men's t-shirts have been a godsend,' one said.

'I buy my $7 jeans from there, and they're super comfy,' another wrote.

'It's great for buying kids clothes! My daughter starts daycare soon; I bought her multiple outfits for $30, so if she gets paint on them or they rip, it won't matter. The shirts were $3.50 each,' a mum said.

But Kmart's impact extends beyond the wardrobe. The retailer's kitchen and household collection has garnered praise for its longevity and value.


From home appliances that's lasted over a decade, these products have proven that low cost doesn't have to mean low quality.

'I bought a $9 rice cooker from Kmart over ten years ago, and it's still going strong. Some stuff they have is awesome,' a man said.

'I have a $30 microwave from over 20 years ago that still works,' another shared.

'My husband was convinced I was going to burn the house down with my $10 toastie maker—but it lasted a decade,' another said.

While Kmart's offerings have provided a lifeline for many, there's also a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism.

Some shoppers are advocating for a more sustainable approach, emphasising the importance of the secondhand market.


Platforms like Marketplace and Gumtree are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to reduce waste and find pre-loved items that still have plenty of life left in them.

The conversation around Kmart's role in helping Australians navigate the cost of living crisis is complex.

It's not just about finding the cheapest deal; it's about making informed choices that balance financial constraints with personal needs and societal responsibilities.

As we continue to face economic uncertainties, stories like these serve as a reminder that with a bit of ingenuity and a willingness to explore all options, it's possible to maintain a standard of living that doesn't compromise on the essentials.

The success of budget-friendly stores in providing affordable solutions is a lesson in resourcefulness and adaptability, qualities that are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in today's economy.


So, whether you're updating your wardrobe, equipping your kitchen, or simply seeking ways to make your pension stretch further, it's worth taking a page from the book of similar-minded devotees.

After all, who wouldn't want to discover their own secret weapon in the battle against the cost of living?

Key Takeaways

  • Australians are utilising Kmart as an economical solution to replace their wardrobes affordably, to cope with the cost of living crisis.
  • Kmart's clothing and housewares are praised for their reasonable prices and surprising durability, with items lasting for years or even decades.
  • Some consumers advocate for secondhand purchases as a more sustainable option to reduce landfill waste.
  • This story showcases personal accounts from Kmart shoppers who have found longevity in products such as a rice cooker, microwave, toaster, and clothing.

Have you had your own experiences with Kmart or other budget-friendly strategies that have helped them manage their finances?

Share your stories in the comments below, and let's continue to support each other in finding the best deals!
I do like Kmart but I think they risk becoming the cheap junk shop if they are not careful. I bought lovely ceramic storage containers for the kitchen. They have bamboo lids with a seal to stop moisture getting in. Went to buy some more, gone. Replaced with some rather junky see through stuff. Clothing is getting rather cheap and nasty as well. Time will tell I guess. Wish they would stop buying from China
 
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I bought a regular sized Anko rice cooker which has been very good so recently I tried their Mini 1.5 cup rice cooker for $15. It's excellent - just right for one person or two if you don't want heaped servings.
1705018931044.png
 
It’s a bittersweet situation. As much as I only want to purchase Australian made goods, the lure to save money is too strong to pass up the cheap prices of “made in China” goods. Everyone I know shops at Kmart.
The sad reality is that nothing electrical is manufactured in Australia any more and, even when it was, all the components were Chinese made. 😕
 
With the cost of living as it is, a lot of us have to look and buy cheaper stuff. We hardly manufacture anything anymore and the few things made here are more expensive which is understandable given we are used to paying workers more than places like China. My best buy from Kmart is my kettle and my air fryer.
 
The problem with Kmart is that most sizes are small or extra large when most people are somewhere in between. I never can find the correct size for me. I now buy online( Temu). Use to get lovely stuff in Target, but lately they aren’t much better then Kmart.
 
The problem with Kmart is that most sizes are small or extra large when most people are somewhere in between. I never can find the correct size for me. I now buy online( Temu). Use to get lovely stuff in Target, but lately they aren’t much better then Kmart.
I just looked up temu there clothes look really nice and not expensive. Pity I don’t need any clothes they’d be my go to store.😊
 
I have bought many Electrical appliances from Kmart and never had a problem. I can recommend them. They are excellent value for money and last a long time.
I also buy my husband's clothes from Kmart socks, jock's & undies, as well as shorts and jeans, He loves the clothes, and they are excellent value for the price, Jeans and shorts around $20 to $25.
 
Well that's a surprise - everyone I know (including me) has been shopping in a "secret" store since forever. How clever of us to find it 🙄
 
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