Bargain buys are what Kmart Australia stores are known and loved for – but one shopper may have found one of the best and cheapest finds yet.
Perth mum Charlene popped by her local store to print out some pictures at the Kmart Photo Centre.
But instead of just getting standard prints, she discovered a number of ‘nostalgic’ frame print options for her photos – and instantly felt compelled to share a video of her discovery.
‘I just learned at Kmart when I was printing my photos, you can print Polaroid-style pics,’ Charlene said in an Instagram video on her @charleneslowsundays account.
The creative content creator held up her transformed photos, showing how they had printed out in a smaller size with a cute black frame edging – akin to a Polaroid image.
‘You can add any picture and it comes in the Polaroid template,’ she added.
To transform your images, all you need to do is hop onto the online Kmart Photo Centre either from an in-store computer station or at home using your phone or computer. Head to the ‘Prints’ section and you’ll find the subcategory ‘Retro mini prints’.
‘These pocket-sized prints are perfect for sharing, journaling or crafting,’ the description read. ‘Display these mini works of art on your fridge or hang them on your wall for a fun little display.’
Perth mother Charlene recently popped by the Kmart Photo Centre and shared a video about her discovery that you can print out images with Polaroid-style frames
The nostalgic photo prints at Kmart are priced starting at $0.15-$0.80 for a single sheet of framed prints, depending on the size of the pictures
‘Choose from a classic white background or pick from a range of colours and background patterns.’
There are four size options to choose between: Four 5x7cm, Four 7x7cm, Two 7x7cm or Two 10x7cm. The price of a single sheet starts from $0.15 to $0.80 – depending on which size you choose.
The retro framed prints have a number of distinct advantages over a traditional Polaroid snapshot, including that they’re easily more affordable than instant camera film.
But the biggest upshot is that, unlike a Polaroid, you can actually check your photo before committing to printing it out.
It’s not the only nostalgic photo print discovery Charlene stumbled upon during her recent Kmart adventure.
‘Photo booth strips. Look at these!’ Charlene declared, showing a series of her photos displayed in a long rectangular strip, like the ones you’d take in a classic retro booth.
‘And you can change the background on them,’ she added, showing how she’d customised different border finishes on her photobooth strips.
The photobooth strip-shaped prints can be made using two, three or four images – all priced from $0.15 each.
Charlene also discovered that the Kmart Photo Centre has the option to print photos as nostalgic photobooth strip
The photobooth strip-shaped prints can be made using 2, 3 or 4 images – all priced from $0.15 each
‘Experience your favourite memories time and time again with our high-quality photo strip prints,’ the online product description explains. ‘Simply upload your photos, select the size and print to keep, share or frame.’
There’s also an array of border options for the photobooth prints, including a classic white background or a film-style edging.
If you want to get extra creative, there’s also an array of other border colours and even themed patterns to choose from.
‘I paid 25 cents a sheet, because I wanted instant printouts,’ Charlene explained in her video. ‘But if you do Next Day Pick Up, it’s a bit cheaper.’
‘They look so good, I love them!’ she added. ‘Did you guys know this? I feel like more people need to know this.’
Charlene told Daily Mail that she was delighted to be able to share her Kmart photo printing discovery with her followers.
‘I think there’s something really nostalgic and fun about affordable little services like this, especially for people who enjoy journaling, memory keeping, and creative hobbies.’
The hobbyist added: ‘Millennials and Gen Z babies are falling back in love with physical media.’
Charlene’s video shared to her @charleneslowsundays erupted with comments from viewers delighted by the bargain Kmart photo printing discovery
Comments poured into the replies of Charlene’s video – many from delighted Kmart customers who ‘had no idea’ about these photo print options.
‘They are so cute! I need to go print some,’ read one person response.
‘Stop this is so good!’ another agreed.
‘Cute,’ simply stated one person.
Several savvy Kmart shoppers noted that these printing options were outstanding value.
‘Since Instax instant film is so expensive now, this is a great alternative,’ one explained.
Another budget-conscious person responded: ‘A PhotoBooth machine print is like $8 – these are 25 cents!’
One person additionally had a suggestion to level up and display the Polaroid-style print-outs.
‘Get the magnet strip tapes and you’ve got fridge magnet photos!’
