Shocking 'feral' behaviour exposed: Kmart shoppers destroy stores

Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


SDC 5.png
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


SDC 6.png
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways
  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
 
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Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
Having the cashier area in the middle of Kmart has actually done the reverse and created a haven for shoplifters. When the registers were at or near the doors you had a better chance of seeing if someone was knocking stuff off.
 
Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
Seems to be the pattern with kids these days....no respect for others or other people's belongings. What happened to old fashioned values we had when growing up, and respect was taught to us by our parents !
 
Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
I wonder if the “executive” who was responsible for locating the registers in The middle is still getting his huge salary for this fail. Everybody knew it was a huge mistake
 
Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
A local Red Dot store here in WA is rumoured to be relocating to another suburb due to increased theft.I have seen a person trying to leave the local Coles with a shopping cart full of groceries with out payment only to be stopped by the security guard who then had to argue with the theif who left in a late model 4wd.As a retired security guard myself I have seen similar behaviour by a certain group of people who seem to think that they are entitled to remove items from shops because of their particular ethnicity.
 
Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
This is how KMart used to have there stores set up with the cash registers at the front which make it better I think. It was frustrating when they decided to up grade their store and put it in the middle. Don't other stores have this set up like this? What about BigW, supermarket....
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jarred Santos
I can’t believe the behaviour of a lot of people but this is truly disgusting. I feel for retail staff who have to clean up after others as well as putting up with abuse when people get angry. I am absolutely appalled by it all and unfortunately it often older people doing the abusing. I never ceased to be amazed at the state some leave public and cafe toilets in. Makes you wonder what their own homes are like. A lot of people really need to lift their standards when they’re out & start considering everyone else. Shoplifting costs all of us!
 
I can’t believe the behaviour of a lot of people but this is truly disgusting. I feel for retail staff who have to clean up after others as well as putting up with abuse when people get angry. I am absolutely appalled by it all... A lot of people really need to lift their standards when they’re out & start considering everyone else. Shoplifting costs all of us!
Well said, @PattiB! That's why even when retail workers I come across stuff up, I do my best to remain courteous and respectful. They probably have a lot of things on their plate, and I don't want to add to any of that.
 
Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
What was the idiot trying to do by moving the checkout to the middle of the store 🤔 🙄 off course theft would rise no security just a lone person standing at the front this is brainless thinking from upper management 🙄
 
Pigs raised by pigs. What's even worse is these pigs need to have a shower before going shopping. Nothing worse than walking past people smelling like stale pig shit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Annna
Seems to be the pattern with kids these days....no respect for others or other people's belongings. What happened to old fashioned values we had when growing up, and respect was taught to us by our parents !
Many parents today are not teaching manners or respect. This needs to be both modelled and actively taught.

That's one of parents' important jobs.

The behaviour of many of today's teens evidences this failure.

For those saying: Why blame kids?

Have a look at the grounds and classrooms of high schools on any day after school 😳.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
What was the idiot trying to do by moving the checkout to the middle of the store 🤔 🙄 off course theft would rise no security just a lone person standing at the front this is brainless thinking from upper management 🙄
I agree with you, the move to the middle was confusing.

You've got to go in to the centre and pay, then head out the door and be checked - the item is inspected, the docket is scanned and your bag is inspected.

Just have checkouts at the door.

I don't thieve but this exit routine makes me feel that Kmart management thinks everyone is a thief.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
Ferals will be feral the country nowadays is full of feral entitled people I in no way condone shoplifting but I certainly do understand how & why it is occurring .
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Australian retail giant, Kmart, has been a beloved shopping destination for Aussies for decades.

However, recent social media posts have exposed a shocking trend of disrespectful behaviour by shoppers, leaving stores in a state of disarray and filth.



In a video that has left many Australians appalled, a Kmart store in Ballina, NSW Northern Rivers, was shown in a state of utter chaos.

The footage revealed aisles strewn with rubbish, products in disarray, shelves covered in grime, and discarded food packages scattered throughout the store.


View attachment 38897
A Kmart store in NSW was found in a state of utter chaos. Image source: Facebook.


The shopper who captured this disturbing scene expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she 'normally loves visiting Kmart Australia' but 'the Ballina store today had me shook'.



The mess left behind in the Ballina store included discarded fast food packaging from Hungry Jack’s and McDonald's, damaged and empty products, and a variety of other items abandoned beneath the shelves.

The video has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the country, with many branding the shoppers responsible as 'feral' and 'disgusting'.


View attachment 38898
A cup from Hungry Jack’s was spotted in the shelves at Kmart’s Ballina, NSW store. Image source: Facebook.


One woman commented, 'What are these people doing, this is actually disgusting. Is this honestly what entitlement looks like to these, I assume, teens these days?'

'School holidays—unfortunately too many parents let their kids go to shopping centres to 'hang out', which isn’t such a bad thing, only they forget to teach them to respect the workers,' another added.



The aftermath of such disrespectful behaviour is often left to the retail workers to clean up.

Many of these workers are young people themselves, who are left to deal with the mess created by their peers.

'I feel for the staff that have to clean this up. How can people think this is how you treat stores,' a woman responded.

The disarray in the store has also sparked a debate about the potential increase in theft among the nation's top retailers.

'That’s what happens when they are stealing,' one said.

Some believe that the mess is a deliberate tactic used by shoplifters to distract staff and cover up their activities.

'They open and take the item, then pull a bunch of other stuff all messy to cover it up. So annoying as a staff member [has to] to clean it all up. [Got] a few people doing this in the supermarkets too,' one replied.



In response to the growing concern over shoplifting, Kmart has experimented with relocating checkouts from the centre of stores to near the exit.

However, this move has been met with frustration from customers who feel they are being treated as potential shoplifters, with receipt and bag checks conducted upon leaving the store.

'Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you're going to treat every shopper like a shoplifter on the way out?' one shopper commented.
Key Takeaways

  • Kmart shoppers have been criticised after a video showing poor conditions in a Ballina store went viral.
  • Some people blamed the mess on bored teenagers during school holidays, while others suggested it might be linked to increased theft amid the cost of living crisis.
  • The incident triggered a debate about Kmart’s store layout and checkout locations changes, which were initially moved to combat shoplifting but have frustrated customers with receipt and bag checks on exit.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local stores? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
I prefer total high security measures before we become an American Walmart!
 

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