Kmart glasses shatter expectations: Shopper's painful encounter sparks safety warning!

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of a bodily injury, which some may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised.

Shoppers across the country are being warned about potential hazards in a popular retail chain's stores.

A recent alert has surfaced regarding a common in-store feature that could pose risks to customers.

As more people head to their local branches for their shopping needs, it’s crucial to stay informed about the safety issues that could affect their experience.


Chloe, a Kmart enthusiast, was browsing the aisles when she decided to examine a set of ribbed Linear Hiball Glasses, priced at a reasonable $14 for a pack of six.

However, her curiosity came at a cost when the glass she picked up to feel its quality ‘snapped’ in her hand, leading to a rather graphic outcome.

The shattered glass pierced her skin, causing a flow of blood and a rush of concern from both Chloe and nearby shoppers.


image (63).png
A Melbourne Kmart shopper warned others after a display glass broke in her hand, causing injury. Credit: Kmart Australia


The incident quickly drew the attention of Kmart staff, who promptly provided assistance, offering tissues and helping to manage the bleeding and clean up the aftermath.

Chloe's experience, which she shared on social media, was not only a cautionary tale but also a testament to the swift response of the Kmart team during a distressing situation.

‘Not really a hack, more a warning to not buy!’ Chloe's post began, detailing the harrowing event.

‘I was shopping in Kmart today and picked up a display glass to see how it felt when it completely snapped in my hand. The scene was quite graphic, as the thin glass was stuck in my hand, and there was a lot of blood.’


The ordeal left Chloe advising others to think twice before purchasing the ‘thin’ and seemingly fragile glasses.

‘Moral of the story: do not buy the linear highball glasses. They are really thin and not sturdy whatsoever,’ she warned.

‘Thank you to the Kmart staff at the store who quickly came to help me and clean up.’


Chloe's post struck a chord with other Kmart shoppers, many of whom echoed her sentiments.

The comments section became a gathering place for shared experiences, with several customers recounting their own breakage stories involving the same product.

‘We bought these and they have all broken. Many cuts and cleaning glasses. Don't buy!’ one commented.

‘Exact same thing happened to me two weeks ago,’ another shared.

‘I had the tall and small ones of these, every single one has broken during a hand wash over a year of having them,’ a third agreed.

‘Mine broke SO easily, too! Also had an incident while doing the dishes, ended up with three stitches,’ someone else added.


Many others were stunned by the claims, with numerous people suggesting that the products should be ‘taken off the shelf’.

‘Wow! I've had mine for a couple of years and have never had one break,’ one commenter shared.

‘I've heard so many stories about this happening, I'm surprised they still sell them,’ another remarked.

A third bluntly stated, ‘Kmart is cheap. So we can't expect good quality. You get what you pay for.’


Despite the product's visual appeal and dishwasher-safe label, it seems that the Linear Hiball Glasses may not live up to the expectations of durability and safety.

In the face of these alarming reports, Kmart Australia's spokesperson has addressed the concerns, saying, ‘We take the quality and safety of all our products very seriously, and our team are looking into these experiences.’

‘We encourage any customer who experiences an issue with a product to get in touch with our customer service team to ensure that it can be investigated properly.’


The concerns raised by shoppers over the safety of glass displays at Kmart have heightened awareness of in-store hazards.

Sadly, this isn't the first time the retail giant has faced scrutiny for customer safety.

Recently, a real estate CEO filed a lawsuit against Kmart, seeking $205,000 in damages after a slip-and-fall incident inside their store.
Key Takeaways
  • A Kmart Australia shopper in Melbourne issued a warning after a display glass product broke in her hand, causing injury.
  • The shopper and other customers have advised against purchasing the specific Linear Hiball Glasses due to their fragility.
  • Many customers shared similar experiences of the glasses breaking easily and causing injuries.
  • Kmart Australia has responded, stating that they take quality and safety seriously and are looking into the issue, urging customers to contact their customer service for any product issues.
Have you had a similar experience with products that seemed too good to be true? Share your stories with us in the comments below, and let's help each other stay safe while snagging those deals.
 
Sponsored
I agree with one of the above commenters:

"You get what you pay for."

I've seen a number of glass/porcelain items at Kmart stores sitting on display shelves that were either chipped, cracked or broken.

Before reading this article, I'd concluded that the items I'd seen must have been made with 'cost cutting' as a priority.

I'd rather pay a bit more for glasses and crockery and feel the items would last (with careful handling of course).
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20240729-084743~2.png
    Screenshot_20240729-084743~2.png
    47.8 KB · Views: 0
I've seen alot of plates, cup and even plant pots chipped or cracked.

I have a set of coloured kmart glasses which I've had for a couple of years and no problems.
I did however purchased 2 sets of goid drinking glasses from Myers and to be honest I see a huge difference when drinking out of these. I was surprised because I didn't think there would be a difference.

I won't buy kmart glasses, plates ect again though.

I had purchased a kmart deep fryer 2 years ago , but when I took it out of the box I saw it was badly dinted. I have now gone with a tefal deep fryer.

I feel that old saying " you get what you pay" is true when it comes to kmart kitchen items apart from their cast iron casserole dish which I purchased for my daughter so she could make my bread recipe. She has also used it for casseroles and love it
 
I've seen alot of plates, cup and even plant pots chipped or cracked.

I have a set of coloured kmart glasses which I've had for a couple of years and no problems.
I did however purchased 2 sets of goid drinking glasses from Myers and to be honest I see a huge difference when drinking out of these. I was surprised because I didn't think there would be a difference.

I won't buy kmart glasses, plates ect again though.

I had purchased a kmart deep fryer 2 years ago , but when I took it out of the box I saw it was badly dinted. I have now gone with a tefal deep fryer.

I feel that old saying " you get what you pay" is true when it comes to kmart kitchen items apart from their cast iron casserole dish which I purchased for my daughter so she could make my bread recipe. She has also used it for casseroles and love it
The first frypan l bought blew up the first time l used it and l thought later perhaps someone had got water in it and it had been returned. l should have taken it back but l was a bit naive
 
Glass is interesting stuff. It is effectively a supercooled liquid so that if the manufacturer doesn't let it cool properly from molten there will be built-in stresses that could cause it to shatter or fracture suddenly. There is nothing in glass that will stop a crack from spreading, and once a crack or chip is initiated there will be a concentration of stress around the crack's tip which will enable the fracture to grow rapidly. Heat from within a dishwasher could unleash a crack if the glass has not been de-stressed properly during manufacture.

PR China and poor quality control once again, perhaps?
 
18 months ago I was going across an aisle to get to the checkouts and was run into by a worker who was pushing a large trolley that was overflowing with items and he ran into me, first hitting the heel of my shoe then my back. All he did was say "are u ok?" and never waited for me to answer and he just kept pushing the trolley. I cried out in pain so loud that the AM heard me from the other side of the store. By the time I actually got to the checkout, tears were running down my face. The checkout chick asked me if I was ok and I said no, a guy with a trolley ran into me. She told me to sit on my walker and to hang on while asking for the AM to come see me. There were about 7 ppl at the self serve registers who all told the AM they saw what happened and they said they would be a witness for me if I needed them. I left in an ambulance, had xrays, ct scan and ultrsaound. All I got from Kmart was a $50 voucher, not even a "we are sorry this happened" I still get angry when I think about it and I am still in so much pain in my back and side EVERY SINGLE DAY!
 
Glass is interesting stuff. It is effectively a supercooled liquid so that if the manufacturer doesn't let it cool properly from molten there will be built-in stresses that could cause it to shatter or fracture suddenly. There is nothing in glass that will stop a crack from spreading, and once a crack or chip is initiated there will be a concentration of stress around the crack's tip which will enable the fracture to grow rapidly. Heat from within a dishwasher could unleash a crack if the glass has not been de-stressed properly during manufacture.

PR China and poor quality control once again, perhaps?
It is just the same as cheap windows for your home I have seen where they have just exploded
 
Most kitchen products are made in China these days. Last week, I bought a new teapot. It's Ecology brand and made from fine quality bone china ... and made in China. I guess China makes the best fine bone china.
Actually the best Bone China is made in Japan.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Penny4
Actually the best Bone China is made in Japan.
I was just being silly about China making the best because it's called bone China. I have a Japanese Daiso store near me and heaps of stock is made in China too.
 
Last edited:

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×