[Sethia Soliman]

Odd detail in 45-year-old Kmart ad divides shoppers – ‘Is this the serial killer edition?’​

You’d think that a decades-old supermarket advert would send shoppers on a wholesome trip down memory lane… But this time around, it triggered them to engage in a fiery debate.

After one woman shared a full-page Kmart ad–which was taken from the 1977 edition of the Sun Herald–to a popular Facebook group, hundreds of users were quick to notice a gobsmacking detail.

At first glance, the ad was nothing out of the ordinary. It promoted items on sale for the week of September 12 to 17, reminding us of what prices and shopping habits were back in the 1970s.

Outdoor discounts were the primary focus of the ad. It showcased big savings on tents, sleeping bags, and fishing rods.

However, it was the bargains displayed on the right-hand column of the ad that sparked a plethora of mixed reactions.

The controversial Kmart ad from 1977. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

Three guns, including an automatic rifle, a bolt action rifle, and a single barrel shotgun, were featured alongside the heading ‘Shoot for these savings.’ The cost of the firearms ranged from $29.94 for the Boito shotgun to $42.88 for the automatic Stirling.

The unexpected detail disturbed younger fans of the retail giant.

‘Kmart sold guns?’ one person asked.

Another chimed: ‘They even sold rifles! You're kidding.’

‘Kmart: Serial Killer Edition.’ a third joked.

Younger shoppers were taken aback by the detail. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

One user pointed out that the guns were significantly cheaper than some tents in 1977.

But other fellow members of the group happily reminisced about shopping at Kmart in the 1970s and '80s.

‘I remember rifles in Kmart when I was a kid.’ one man recalled.

‘They were out on a counter and chained but you could pick them up. They were basic hunting rifles and no one batted an eyelid. Slug guns were in boxes and you could just pick one of those up and go through the registers.’

Another added: ‘My brother and I walked into Kmart with $85 and walked out of there with a 12-gauge shotgun. No word of a lie!’

‘I still remember firearms being sold at Kmart. We thought nothing of it.’ a third said.

Several members took the opportunity to praise Australia's 1996 gun law reforms, which were implemented after Australia's deadliest mass shooting occurred at Port Arthur.

The country’s gun control laws are known to be among the toughest in the world.

'It's a good thing the regulations were tightened. Although I still remember my Pop being pretty pissed off about the whole thing.’ one woman said.

'Thank God Australia brought in its gun laws!’ another wrote.

But many weren’t in full support of the country’s ‘overly strict’ gun control laws.

'In the bush, it was normal for firearms to be ready to kill a snake or a severely injured animal.' one person shared.

Another Kmart ad featured guns for sale. Source: Facebook​

'The regulations only affected law-abiding citizens whose details would now be held in a database that led to some feeling insecure about who had access to that information. Those who intended criminal behaviour just turned to purchasing on the black market without a licence.' the Kmart fan continued.

A few pointed out that whatever the price, Kmart products were probably ‘better quality’ in the 1970s than today.

‘That was the good old days when Kmart sold good things! Now it's just a cr*ppy shop.’ a user sneered.

‘I'm guessing that Anko doesn't make rifles, huh?’ another teased.

Do you recall Kmart selling rifles? What are your thoughts on Australia’s gun control laws? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Learn about the varied attitudes toward firearms back in the 1970s by watching the video below:

Source: ABC News In-depth​

 

[Ricci]

They were fairly basic pieces of equipment, no semi or fully automatic guns or rifles, still I'm glad they are no longer available for easy purchase.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I don't ever remember hearing people being shot back in the 60s or 70s or massacres happening.

It was after the Port Arthur Massacre that guns were banned , and I am happy they were because who knows how our country would now be if they weren't.

Please ...the add disturbed young people who saw in today. Look at the video games they play, the TV shows they watch

Youth of today are becoming desensitised to violence.

Such a different time today than in the 60s and 70s our scary movies they would laugh at

 

[JayKay]

Guns are weapons designed to kill, being unsophisticated might mean they are slower, but they still kill.
I had a WW2 rifle placed on my forehead when I was three years old, as a threat if something didn't happen. The memory never leaves.
When I used to see the weapons in KMart, I'd shudder, until I "learnt" not to go near that section. Didn't take long, except when I took a longer route to other products, the reason was always in my mind.

 

[adorableagnes]

You’d think that a decades-old supermarket advert would send shoppers on a wholesome trip down memory lane… But this time around, it triggered them to engage in a fiery debate.

After one woman shared a full-page Kmart ad–which was taken from the 1977 edition of the Sun Herald–to a popular Facebook group, hundreds of users were quick to notice a gobsmacking detail.

At first glance, the ad was nothing out of the ordinary. It promoted items on sale for the week of September 12 to 17, reminding us of what prices and shopping habits were back in the 1970s.

Outdoor discounts were the primary focus of the ad. It showcased big savings on tents, sleeping bags, and fishing rods.

However, it was the bargains displayed on the right-hand column of the ad that sparked a plethora of mixed reactions.

The controversial Kmart ad from 1977. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

Three guns, including an automatic rifle, a bolt action rifle, and a single barrel shotgun, were featured alongside the heading ‘Shoot for these savings.’ The cost of the firearms ranged from $29.94 for the Boito shotgun to $42.88 for the automatic Stirling.

The unexpected detail disturbed younger fans of the retail giant.

‘Kmart sold guns?’ one person asked.

Another chimed: ‘They even sold rifles! You're kidding.’

‘Kmart: Serial Killer Edition.’ a third joked.

Younger shoppers were taken aback by the detail. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

One user pointed out that the guns were significantly cheaper than some tents in 1977.

But other fellow members of the group happily reminisced about shopping at Kmart in the 1970s and '80s.

‘I remember rifles in Kmart when I was a kid.’ one man recalled.

‘They were out on a counter and chained but you could pick them up. They were basic hunting rifles and no one batted an eyelid. Slug guns were in boxes and you could just pick one of those up and go through the registers.’

Another added: ‘My brother and I walked into Kmart with $85 and walked out of there with a 12-gauge shotgun. No word of a lie!’

‘I still remember firearms being sold at Kmart. We thought nothing of it.’ a third said.

Several members took the opportunity to praise Australia's 1996 gun law reforms, which were implemented after Australia's deadliest mass shooting occurred at Port Arthur.

The country’s gun control laws are known to be among the toughest in the world.

'It's a good thing the regulations were tightened. Although I still remember my Pop being pretty pissed off about the whole thing.’ one woman said.

'Thank God Australia brought in its gun laws!’ another wrote.

But many weren’t in full support of the country’s ‘overly strict’ gun control laws.

'In the bush, it was normal for firearms to be ready to kill a snake or a severely injured animal.' one person shared.

Another Kmart ad featured guns for sale. Source: Facebook​

'The regulations only affected law-abiding citizens whose details would now be held in a database that led to some feeling insecure about who had access to that information. Those who intended criminal behaviour just turned to purchasing on the black market without a licence.' the Kmart fan continued.

A few pointed out that whatever the price, Kmart products were probably ‘better quality’ in the 1970s than today.

‘That was the good old days when Kmart sold good things! Now it's just a cr*ppy shop.’ a user sneered.

‘I'm guessing that Anko doesn't make rifles, huh?’ another teased.

Do you recall Kmart selling rifles? What are your thoughts on Australia’s gun control laws? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Learn about the varied attitudes toward firearms back in the 1970s by watching the video below:

Source: ABC News In-depth​

I came to live in Australia in 1969 and I was absolutely amazed to see rifles in KMart. Thank goodness they don't do that now

 

[Michel]

You’d think that a decades-old supermarket advert would send shoppers on a wholesome trip down memory lane… But this time around, it triggered them to engage in a fiery debate.

After one woman shared a full-page Kmart ad–which was taken from the 1977 edition of the Sun Herald–to a popular Facebook group, hundreds of users were quick to notice a gobsmacking detail.

At first glance, the ad was nothing out of the ordinary. It promoted items on sale for the week of September 12 to 17, reminding us of what prices and shopping habits were back in the 1970s.

Outdoor discounts were the primary focus of the ad. It showcased big savings on tents, sleeping bags, and fishing rods.

However, it was the bargains displayed on the right-hand column of the ad that sparked a plethora of mixed reactions.

The controversial Kmart ad from 1977. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

Three guns, including an automatic rifle, a bolt action rifle, and a single barrel shotgun, were featured alongside the heading ‘Shoot for these savings.’ The cost of the firearms ranged from $29.94 for the Boito shotgun to $42.88 for the automatic Stirling.

The unexpected detail disturbed younger fans of the retail giant.

‘Kmart sold guns?’ one person asked.

Another chimed: ‘They even sold rifles! You're kidding.’

‘Kmart: Serial Killer Edition.’ a third joked.

Younger shoppers were taken aback by the detail. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

One user pointed out that the guns were significantly cheaper than some tents in 1977.

But other fellow members of the group happily reminisced about shopping at Kmart in the 1970s and '80s.

‘I remember rifles in Kmart when I was a kid.’ one man recalled.

‘They were out on a counter and chained but you could pick them up. They were basic hunting rifles and no one batted an eyelid. Slug guns were in boxes and you could just pick one of those up and go through the registers.’

Another added: ‘My brother and I walked into Kmart with $85 and walked out of there with a 12-gauge shotgun. No word of a lie!’

‘I still remember firearms being sold at Kmart. We thought nothing of it.’ a third said.

Several members took the opportunity to praise Australia's 1996 gun law reforms, which were implemented after Australia's deadliest mass shooting occurred at Port Arthur.

The country’s gun control laws are known to be among the toughest in the world.

'It's a good thing the regulations were tightened. Although I still remember my Pop being pretty pissed off about the whole thing.’ one woman said.

'Thank God Australia brought in its gun laws!’ another wrote.

But many weren’t in full support of the country’s ‘overly strict’ gun control laws.

'In the bush, it was normal for firearms to be ready to kill a snake or a severely injured animal.' one person shared.

Another Kmart ad featured guns for sale. Source: Facebook​

'The regulations only affected law-abiding citizens whose details would now be held in a database that led to some feeling insecure about who had access to that information. Those who intended criminal behaviour just turned to purchasing on the black market without a licence.' the Kmart fan continued.

A few pointed out that whatever the price, Kmart products were probably ‘better quality’ in the 1970s than today.

‘That was the good old days when Kmart sold good things! Now it's just a cr*ppy shop.’ a user sneered.

‘I'm guessing that Anko doesn't make rifles, huh?’ another teased.

Do you recall Kmart selling rifles? What are your thoughts on Australia’s gun control laws? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Learn about the varied attitudes toward firearms back in the 1970s by watching the video below:

Source: ABC News In-depth​

 

[Michel]

I sold rifles in Kmart, and you could not just walk out of the store. Your purchase was taken out of the store with ammunition to your car. In 1977 you did not need a license because people's attitudes were different. We did not have the violence here until the Tasmanian massacre. It was then that it all changed; I am pleased that we have a no-guns society, even though they are on a black market to buy, If you need a gun, the rules are stringent, and so they should be. Times change, and so does our attitude to each other. We are so much more prone to anger and revenge now, and if we did not have the laws we have with regard to firearms, well you be the judge of what life would be like.

 

[MIZMAC]

Australia was a safer place to live. back then. Pre Port AArthur shootings.

 

[Macarj]

It was a different time I bought .22mm slug gun from KMart in 1973 walked through a big shopping mall in Warrawong NSW and then walked through the streets of Warrawong NSW to my friends place and no took a second look how times have changed and it's always the ratbags who make them have to change

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

Weapons are nit toys

You’d think that a decades-old supermarket advert would send shoppers on a wholesome trip down memory lane… But this time around, it triggered them to engage in a fiery debate.

After one woman shared a full-page Kmart ad–which was taken from the 1977 edition of the Sun Herald–to a popular Facebook group, hundreds of users were quick to notice a gobsmacking detail.

At first glance, the ad was nothing out of the ordinary. It promoted items on sale for the week of September 12 to 17, reminding us of what prices and shopping habits were back in the 1970s.

Outdoor discounts were the primary focus of the ad. It showcased big savings on tents, sleeping bags, and fishing rods.

However, it was the bargains displayed on the right-hand column of the ad that sparked a plethora of mixed reactions.

The controversial Kmart ad from 1977. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

Three guns, including an automatic rifle, a bolt action rifle, and a single barrel shotgun, were featured alongside the heading ‘Shoot for these savings.’ The cost of the firearms ranged from $29.94 for the Boito shotgun to $42.88 for the automatic Stirling.

The unexpected detail disturbed younger fans of the retail giant.

‘Kmart sold guns?’ one person asked.

Another chimed: ‘They even sold rifles! You're kidding.’

‘Kmart: Serial Killer Edition.’ a third joked.

Younger shoppers were taken aback by the detail. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

One user pointed out that the guns were significantly cheaper than some tents in 1977.

But other fellow members of the group happily reminisced about shopping at Kmart in the 1970s and '80s.

‘I remember rifles in Kmart when I was a kid.’ one man recalled.

‘They were out on a counter and chained but you could pick them up. They were basic hunting rifles and no one batted an eyelid. Slug guns were in boxes and you could just pick one of those up and go through the registers.’

Another added: ‘My brother and I walked into Kmart with $85 and walked out of there with a 12-gauge shotgun. No word of a lie!’

‘I still remember firearms being sold at Kmart. We thought nothing of it.’ a third said.

Several members took the opportunity to praise Australia's 1996 gun law reforms, which were implemented after Australia's deadliest mass shooting occurred at Port Arthur.

The country’s gun control laws are known to be among the toughest in the world.

'It's a good thing the regulations were tightened. Although I still remember my Pop being pretty pissed off about the whole thing.’ one woman said.

'Thank God Australia brought in its gun laws!’ another wrote.

But many weren’t in full support of the country’s ‘overly strict’ gun control laws.

'In the bush, it was normal for firearms to be ready to kill a snake or a severely injured animal.' one person shared.

Another Kmart ad featured guns for sale. Source: Facebook​

'The regulations only affected law-abiding citizens whose details would now be held in a database that led to some feeling insecure about who had access to that information. Those who intended criminal behaviour just turned to purchasing on the black market without a licence.' the Kmart fan continued.

A few pointed out that whatever the price, Kmart products were probably ‘better quality’ in the 1970s than today.

‘That was the good old days when Kmart sold good things! Now it's just a cr*ppy shop.’ a user sneered.

‘I'm guessing that Anko doesn't make rifles, huh?’ another teased.

Do you recall Kmart selling rifles? What are your thoughts on Australia’s gun control laws? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Learn about the varied attitudes toward firearms back in the 1970s by watching the video below:

Source: ABC News In-depth​

You’d think that a decades-old supermarket advert would send shoppers on a wholesome trip down memory lane… But this time around, it triggered them to engage in a fiery debate.

After one woman shared a full-page Kmart ad–which was taken from the 1977 edition of the Sun Herald–to a popular Facebook group, hundreds of users were quick to notice a gobsmacking detail.

At first glance, the ad was nothing out of the ordinary. It promoted items on sale for the week of September 12 to 17, reminding us of what prices and shopping habits were back in the 1970s.

Outdoor discounts were the primary focus of the ad. It showcased big savings on tents, sleeping bags, and fishing rods.

However, it was the bargains displayed on the right-hand column of the ad that sparked a plethora of mixed reactions.

The controversial Kmart ad from 1977. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

Three guns, including an automatic rifle, a bolt action rifle, and a single barrel shotgun, were featured alongside the heading ‘Shoot for these savings.’ The cost of the firearms ranged from $29.94 for the Boito shotgun to $42.88 for the automatic Stirling.

The unexpected detail disturbed younger fans of the retail giant.

‘Kmart sold guns?’ one person asked.

Another chimed: ‘They even sold rifles! You're kidding.’

‘Kmart: Serial Killer Edition.’ a third joked.

Younger shoppers were taken aback by the detail. Source: Old Shops Australia (Facebook)​

One user pointed out that the guns were significantly cheaper than some tents in 1977.

But other fellow members of the group happily reminisced about shopping at Kmart in the 1970s and '80s.

‘I remember rifles in Kmart when I was a kid.’ one man recalled.

‘They were out on a counter and chained but you could pick them up. They were basic hunting rifles and no one batted an eyelid. Slug guns were in boxes and you could just pick one of those up and go through the registers.’

Another added: ‘My brother and I walked into Kmart with $85 and walked out of there with a 12-gauge shotgun. No word of a lie!’

‘I still remember firearms being sold at Kmart. We thought nothing of it.’ a third said.

Several members took the opportunity to praise Australia's 1996 gun law reforms, which were implemented after Australia's deadliest mass shooting occurred at Port Arthur.

The country’s gun control laws are known to be among the toughest in the world.

'It's a good thing the regulations were tightened. Although I still remember my Pop being pretty pissed off about the whole thing.’ one woman said.

'Thank God Australia brought in its gun laws!’ another wrote.

But many weren’t in full support of the country’s ‘overly strict’ gun control laws.

'In the bush, it was normal for firearms to be ready to kill a snake or a severely injured animal.' one person shared.

Another Kmart ad featured guns for sale. Source: Facebook​

'The regulations only affected law-abiding citizens whose details would now be held in a database that led to some feeling insecure about who had access to that information. Those who intended criminal behaviour just turned to purchasing on the black market without a licence.' the Kmart fan continued.

A few pointed out that whatever the price, Kmart products were probably ‘better quality’ in the 1970s than today.

‘That was the good old days when Kmart sold good things! Now it's just a cr*ppy shop.’ a user sneered.

‘I'm guessing that Anko doesn't make rifles, huh?’ another teased.

Do you recall Kmart selling rifles? What are your thoughts on Australia’s gun control laws? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Learn about the varied attitudes toward firearms back in the 1970s by watching the video below:

Source: ABC News In-depth​

Rifles and other guns are not toys. I had extensive weapons training in the Army Cadets and Army Reserves....and I trained others for many years. I am glad they are no longer easily and readily available in Australia, especially for those who would use them illegally or improperly. Look at America where anyone can purchase one, including military grade. Scary!

 

[RTS]

In Western Australia a firearm licence was always required, even for an air rifle.