Move over Kmart! Homewares lovers have found a new favourite

Kmart has been growing in popularity over recent years due to its cheap and stylish range of products, but some of the store’s dedicated shoppers could soon be heading to Bunnings instead, with a new and affordable assortment of furniture grabbing everyone’s attention.

While the store is a fan favourite among Aussies for its tools, gardening products and sausage sizzle, a newly released selection of homewares has proved Bunnings is more than just a hardware chain. A statement rattan chair is quickly flying off shelves around the country, with many taking to social media to show off the gorgeous piece in their homes.

The product, which is made by Home Bazar, has caught the eye of bargain lovers, with its reasonable price tag of $159 being a real selling point. But it’s the unique design which has really won over Aussies who are looking for a statement piece to add to their homes.

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The chair features a peacock-inspired backrest and comfy cushion, making it the perfect piece of furniture to sit back in and rest while having that afternoon cup of coffee and biscuit. Better yet, if you’re wanting to update your whole living room or outdoor area, the Home Bazar collection has a selection of coffee tables and other pieces to match, starting at just $59. Many have already claimed they’re “obsessed” with the range, while others are planning their next trip to Bunnings to add the rattan chair at least to their home.

“I’m obsessed with my latest addition – the Living Paradise chair from @homebazar!” @vichika_xo said in a post on Instagram. “And I love that all their pieces are eco-friendly and ethically sourced.”

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This isn’t the first time Bunnings has released an impressive homewares range. Last year the store released its Smart Homes Products range featuring everything from stylish cushions to woven throws and storage baskets. There were cushions for $9, a selection of throw rugs in six colours priced at $11.98, ottomans starting at $15 and a wide selection of baskets, great for storing bits and bobs.

While the new collection has certainly put Bunnings on the radar of keen homewares shoppers, Kmart is still a leader in the budget homewares market — so much so that there are plans for some Target stores across the country to be overtaken by Kmart. Wesfarmers made the announcement just last week following a financial review into the company’s holdings. Of the 284 Target stores currently operating, 75 have been earmarked for closure, including between 10 and 25 large Target stores and 52 smaller Target Country stores, while as many as 92 could potentially be converted into popular Kmart stores.

Managing Director of Target Australia Marina Joanou published an update on the future of the business on Monday, which laid out the plans and detailed which stores will be shutting up for good – and when – as well as which stores will soon transition into Kmarts. The first closure is set to happen in a matter of weeks, with the store in Pasadena, South Australia, due to close in June 2020. This will be followed by the Campbelltown store, NSW, in July and Meadow Springs, WA, in April.