As the Easter season approaches, shoppers are flocking to stores in search of festive treats and decorations to celebrate the occasion. However, a recent visit to Kmart has left many Australians appalled, not by the lack of selection, but by the chaotic and disrespectful state of the store’s displays.
The scene of devastation was first brought to light by social media user Abbey Marie (@a.marie29), whose video showcasing the disarray has since gone viral, attracting over 445,000 views from equally shocked viewers. The footage reveals a grim sight: rows upon rows of chocolate Easter bunnies half-eaten, with their ears nibbled off, wrappers are torn, and left abandoned on the shelves, rendering them unsellable.
But the chaos didn’t stop at the confectionery aisle. Abbey’s clips also captured the wider disarray throughout the store, including misplaced items like a dog bed dumped in the shoe department. This level of disorder is not only shocking but has become a familiar sight for Kmart regulars, with many expressing their dismay at the recurring scenes of neglect and vandalism.
The question on everyone’s lips is, ‘Who’s to blame?’ The finger-pointing has begun, with many shoppers attributing the mess to unsupervised children and mischievous teenagers treating the store like a playground. The frustration is palpable, with calls for Kmart to implement age restrictions to curb the disrespect. Suggestions such as requiring under-18s to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver have been floated, though many acknowledge such measures are unlikely to be enforced.
The issue, however, runs deeper than just unruly youths. It reflects a broader problem of consumer etiquette and personal responsibility. Some shoppers have been quick to condemn the behaviour, emphasising that a basic level of decency and respect would prevent such scenes. ‘If a pair of shoes don’t fit, put them back,’ one shopper implored, while another lamented the misuse of the toy section, reminding fellow customers that ‘Kmart isn’t a child minding facility!’
Yet, not everyone is ready to lay the blame solely at the feet of the customers. Some have criticised Kmart’s staff and management, suggesting that a lack of presence on the shop floor or insufficient end-of-day clean-up efforts may be contributing factors. Calls for increased night staff to maintain order and cleanliness have been made, alongside pleas for management to step up and address the issue.
In defence of the employees, several Kmart staff members have spoken out, highlighting the challenges they face. They describe their efforts to keep the store tidy, only to have their hard work undone by inconsiderate shoppers. The stress and frustration felt by these workers are palpable, with one staff member pointing out that those quick to blame have likely never experienced the trials of retail work.
As this incident at Kmart has sparked widespread attention and debate, it raises important questions about the state of public spaces and the role we all play in maintaining order and respect within them.
What are your thoughts on the situation at Kmart? What changes would you suggest to improve the shopping experience for everyone? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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This is a social problem not a retailer’s problem.
Any mess in KMart that I have seen is made by youths over whom the parents have no control.
Children run amok while mothers are busy looking around shopping, and mothers let children do what they want because mothers are having a free time for themselves.
And if one dares telling those children off or worse, stops a child running, it’s “HOW DARE YOU!” “ASSAULT” “TRYING TO KIDNAP”
Kmart is a cheap shop so one can’t expect sophisticated and high standard manners there.