Kmart Australia shopper discovers budget item that’s just as good as $500 versions: ‘The best $49 I’ve ever spent’
An Australian mother-of-two has sent shoppers into a frenzy after bragging about an affordable $49 Kmart Australia tote bag.
Halley, from Perth, was amazed by the price tag and versatility of the PU weekend bag, which she compared to $500 baby bags.
What stands out is the hidden compartment at the bottom, in which you can store dirty shoes, wet clothes or snacks.
“When I told you I saw it from a mile away, I was like, ‘What is that?'” she said in a six-minute TikTok session. video.
Halley was impressed with the tote, designed with interior pockets, striped lining, short handles and adjustable shoulder strap.
“Kmart can’t keep doing this because I’m literally going out of business… my plan is to use it as a baby bag,” Halley said.
The tote is large enough for the busy mom to carry water bottles, snacks, diapers, a change of clothes for her toddler, and lunch boxes all day long.
The bottom compartment can also be used to store cool snacks with a cooling element, as it is lined with a plastic cover.
Perth mum Halley (pictured) was amazed by the price tag and versatility of the PU weekend bag, which she compared to $500 baby bags
One of the key features of the bag is the hidden pocket at the bottom of the bag, which is perfect for storing dirty shoes and laundry (left: Kmart; Monos: right)
The budget bag was also previously compared to the Metro Weekender ($440) from travel brand Monos, both of which are designed with the bottom compartment.
The Kmart purchase is made of polyurethane, while the more expensive version is available in multiple materials, including vegan leather and nylon.
The $49 item, described as the ‘perfect’ travel bag, has received rave reviews on social media, with some customers also sharing its many uses.
‘I recently used it on a long-haul flight. It sat well on top of the carry-on and fit everything I needed for my two children. Also has plenty of pockets to keep the little things close at hand,” said a five-star reviewer.
Another wrote: ‘Great lightweight tote bag that fits everything you need.’
One shopper shared her rave reviews of the Kmart item, claiming it is ‘better’ than the best-selling Weekender bags from famous brand BÉIS, with prices ranging from $98 to $348.
‘Good quality bag for travelling. Flexible so it fits easily under the airplane seat. The bottom part is waterproof,” someone added.
Fashion trends can change in the blink of an eye, and shoppers are struggling to keep up with the latest purchases in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis.
Frugal shoppers have been looking for affordable alternatives to their favorite brands — and one place they can’t get enough of is Kmart.
The budget retailer is selling ‘dupes’, including a $25 item that resembles a popular $190 ‘dream dress’ from a top Australian brand.
Other popular ‘dupes’ include a $15 Kmart version of a $20,000 Hermes bag that Australian women love, along with a $25 lightweight cardigan that fits into the viral ‘old money’ aesthetic.