A Kmart bag is flying off the shelves after customers discovered it was a bargain-priced knockoff of a popular travel accessory.
The PU Weekender Bag ($49) is compared to the Metro Weekender ($440) from travel brand Monos.
Both bags feature a hidden compartment at the bottom, so you can store dirty laundry, shoes and even wet clothes.
The cheaper bag is available in polyurethane, while the more expensive version comes in a variety of materials, including vegan leather and nylon.
“It’s the perfect travel bag,” said one five-star reviewer. “I recently used it on a long flight. It fit nicely on my carry-on suitcase and fit everything I needed for my two kids. It also has plenty of pockets to keep small items handy.”
Another wrote: ‘Great, lightweight bag that fits everything you need.’
One customer raved about the Kmart item, claiming it was “better” than the best-selling Weekender bags from beloved celebrity brand BÉIS, which range in price from $98 to $348.
‘Good quality bag for travelling. Flexible so fits easily under the plane seat. The bottom part is waterproof,’ someone added.
Kmart’s $49 weekend bag (left) compared to Monos’ $440 travel bag (right)
The $49 product, which is described as the “perfect” travel bag, has received rave reviews on social media, with some buyers also sharing its many uses.
“I used it as a baby carrier for my baby in the hospital,” one new mother said.
“The Kmart weekend bag is the best bag for short trips,” shared another.
‘I use the bottom part for the shoes for diapers and the top part has a lot of zippers.’
“I have one too and it’s perfect for the gym,” someone said.
“My kids have fantastic camping bags,” added another.
‘Shoes and dirty stuff all fit neatly on the bottom, so everything stays clean and dry.’
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; left: Monos; right)
Fashion trends can change in the blink of an eye and consumers are struggling to keep up with the latest bargains due to the cost of living crisis.
Thrifty shoppers are looking for affordable alternatives to their favorite brands, and one place they can’t get enough of is Kmart.
The budget retailer is selling “knockoffs,” 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 Hermès bag that Australian women love, and a $25 lightweight cardigan that fits the viral “old money” aesthetic.