Kmart is a chain of discount stores that includes all the essentials you’re looking for in a discount store, with inexpensive prices on merchandise from personal care to homewares, automotive to electronics, and everything in between. The first Kmart location in Burwood, Victoria in 1969, and was immediately embroiled in controversy for the stampede of shoppers. Over 40,000 people made their way through the checkout line on the first day of operation, and the doors had to close within the first 45 minutes of operation due to the monstrously sized crowd.

One of Australia’s favourite retailers, Kmart now operates more than 190 stores across Australia and New Zealand. Most Kmart locations in Australia have photo centres that operate in conjunction with Hewlett-Packard.

Kmart also has its own line of automotive supplies and services shops. Kmart Tyre and Auto Service specialises in automotive accessories, car servicing, tyres, check-ups and motor vehicle insurance. At first, these locations were a part of the main Kmart store, but now there are dozens of standalone locations. There are currently 246 Kmart Tyre & Auto Service outlets throughout Australia.

Kmart Catalogue

Kmart in Australia went through an overhaul around 2008, when Kmart’s managing director, Guy Russo, began planning how to find the best manufacturers in China for a myriad of items. Once they found the factories they wanted to work with, they slowly began to change the standards of the factories and held their vendors to higher standards. Kmart then switched to a plan for ethic sourcing around 2009-2010. In 2013, a major disaster occurred in Bangladesh just as Kmart had begun manufacturing there; a building collapsed and thousands of people died. Although Kmart’s factory was not affected, this influenced the retailer to concentrate even more on the tenets of ethical sourcing.  Kmart and Target were the first Australian retailers to sign up to a safety accord in a bid to improve conditions for Bangladeshi garment workers. They wanted to be “responsible not only for quality and labour but also facilities”, Guy Russo told Smart Company in an interview with Smart Company in April, 2015.

Save Time with Kmart Click and Collect

Like many online retailers, Kmart has set up shop online to make your shopping trip more convenient using something called Click and Collect.  What is Click and Collect? Click and Collect allows you to place an order online and then pick up your items, already packed and ready to go, from your local Kmart store. Be aware, however, that not every location offers this service.

There is a $3 administration fee for each Click and Collect order. Most products on the Kmart website are available for Click and Collect. There is no minimum spend for Click & Collect orders.

To use Click and collect, place an order online and choose Click and Collect as your delivery option. Select the store you want your goods to be picked up from. Your items will be ready for pickup at your local store within 24 hours.

You will receive an email and an SMS once your order is ready.  To collect your order, you will need to show your confirmation email or your collection notification SMS, or an appropriate photo ID that matches the details you gave when you ordered.

Saving Money with Kmart’s Price Guarantee

Kmart has a policy that they agree to match the advertised price on any item they have in stock if it is being advertised at a lower price than a competitor. The competitor’s product must be available for sale at an actual retail location in Australia. Online-only prices will not be matched and clearance sales don’t count, either.  The product that’s advertised must be the same brand, same model, and the same colour, and you must be able to confirm the competitor’s price. You can accomplish this by bringing in the competitor’s advertisement to the store, or having a sales associate call over to one of the competition’s physical locations. Maximise your savings during special Father’s Day sales events or the annual toy sale by taking note of competitor prices. When planned correctly, you can find some amazing deals outside of Kmart, and get them to price match, saving you a trip to the competition’s store.

Sign Up for Kmail for Exclusive Discounts and Specials

Kmart offers a special newsletter  for customers to get access to exclusive sales and savings. The mailing list provides information on discounts and products available at your local store, exclusive online savings and other sales events. This is a great addition to their savings catalogue that comes out every week or so.

Save Money During the Big Summer Toy Sale

Kmart is one of the big retailers in the business that celebrates the summer with a mid-year toy sale every July.  Australia’s major shopping retailers all offer big discounts on various products and toys for kids. Peppered with incredible savings, it’s an ideal time for parents to make plans for holidays and other special occasions. In fact, many Australians love to stock up on toys for the holiday season and put them on layby. By the time the Xmas holiday rolls around, the toys are paid off, and you’ll have saved a good amount of money. Products can only put on layby in person at a retail location.

Save on Business Supplies through Kmart

Kmart is a discount store, so almost anything is cheaper when you shop there, but did you know that they have added business supply offerings to their catalogue as well? Businesses can order online with a delivery service and have their order send to one of the 200+ stores around Australia or have the supplies delivered to their business directly. Businesses can speak with a dedicated business specialist to help determine their needs, and even create order delivery schedules that are recurring for certain items.

Kmart offers special catalogue deals about every two weeks here in Australia. Be sure to keep your eyes open when it’s time to stock up on necessities. You can get some great deals for the whole family at a fraction of the price, and you can often find yourself with some really great deals.