Australians barely surviving the cost of living crisis have revealed the ultimate ‘secret weapon’ that has kept them going for years – but many are still questioning the hack.
One man told how Kmart helped him completely replace his wardrobe for $150 – and thousands have shared their own success stories from the budget retailer.
“I got a $150 voucher for Christmas and desperately needed clothes because I was beating them to death,” he said in a post on Reddit. “Shout out to Kmart, the cost of living crisis killer.”
‘I found I could get five to six items from most retailers, but by choosing Kmart I could get more than double that. They are all comfortable and not entirely without style.’
He ended up buying thirteen items of clothing: six T-shirts, two tank tops, two pairs of shorts, one pair of pants, a short-sleeved shirt and a hat.
One man shared how Kmart helped him completely replace his wardrobe for $150
Several others also swear by Kmart’s clothing.
“Kmart has some good stuff at reasonable prices, and I’m usually happy with the quality.” The $5 men’s T-shirts were a godsend,” one person said.
“I buy my $7 jeans there and they are super comfortable,” wrote another.
‘It’s great to buy children’s clothes! My daughter starts daycare soon, I bought her several outfits for $30 so if she gets paint on them or if they rip it won’t matter. The shirts cost $3.50 each,” one mother said.
“I can’t count how many times I’ve bought expensive shirts and pants and they’re so thin they won’t last a year – while my Kmart clothes from five years ago are still good,” said one man.
“I had a pair of $12 black work pants that lasted me eight years. I was so sad when it finally fell apart last year,” another added.
Many shared positive experiences with Kmart’s kitchen and home collection, with several products lasting a few decades.
‘I bought a $9 rice cooker from Kmart over a decade ago and it’s still going strong. Some of the stuff they have is great,” one man said.
Many shared positive experiences with Kmart’s kitchen and home collection, with several products lasting a few decades
“I have a $30 microwave from over 20 years ago that still works,” another shared.
A third revealed: ‘I got a $9 toaster and ended up going to buy a better one when this one broke. Nine years later it still works.’
“My husband was convinced I would burn the house down with my $10 sandwich maker, but it took 10 years,” said another.
A few people argued that there was no need to buy new clothes and household items when you have so much choice on the second-hand market.
“I will always try to buy used or pre-owned first,” said one. ‘There is enough in landfills, I would rather keep the useful, already made things in circulation than demand new products. With a little patience you can find almost anything you need.’
“Marketplace and Gumtree are my favorite places for everything,” said another.