The opening of Kmart's new showroom-style store, branded "K home," at Box Hill South in Victoria, has caused substantial traffic jams, with hundreds of shoppers lining the road and causing chaos. The store, which features 3,000 square meters of shopping space, opened on June 18.
Shoppers described significant delays, with cars queuing along the adjacent road. One shopper, Tian, noted that the traffic situation was so severe she turned her car around, deciding it wasn't worth waiting for hours. She expressed disappointment at the chaotic scene, observing considerable honking and visible frustration among drivers, but acknowledged that the situation reflected the high level of excitement for the new store. Tian, a frequent Kmart shopper, had visited the store a few days prior to the opening rush and praised its dedicated home focus, highlighting the furniture hub which now includes items previously only available online. She stated that being able to see furniture and homewares in person before buying is a significant advantage.
Social media users also reported being caught in the traffic. One user commented on a video of the queues, asking if that was the reason for the congestion they experienced while trying to drive home. Another, who works at a neighboring business, described the difficulty of exiting the car park at the end of their workday, calling it a "nightmare." Local residents expressed hope that the congestion would subside quickly to allow easier access to their usual shops.
The "K home" store has been designed to offer a dedicated destination for furniture, storage solutions, home décor, and everyday essentials. It features room-set displays, an immersive setting, and curated furniture collections. The store showcases the full Anko furniture range, allowing customers to physically interact with products before purchasing. Store layout maps are provided to shoppers upon entry.
Visitor reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the store as a "dream" and expressing a desire to spend extended periods browsing. Comparisons have been drawn to IKEA, with some noting the similarity in the furniture section and the availability of flat-pack items in-store, though often highlighting Kmart's more affordable pricing. The store aims to create more opportunities for product innovation and present expanded furniture and home décor collections. It offers a wide array of items, from compression technology furniture to extensive home styling, bedding, décor, storage, and cleaning solutions. The format includes elements like a florist-style setup, a large cookware section, and neatly displayed bulky furniture, reminiscent of IKEA's presentation style.