Thousands of Melburnians Flock to Kmart As Lockdown Restrictions Ease

It's probably the first place I would've gone too. 

Earlier this week, the news all Melburnians had been waiting for finally arrived: Victoria's coronavirus restrictions are easing. 

People celebrated with beers and doughnuts, taking to social media to express their excitement over the announcement. 

Understandably, people were more than keen to head down to the pub or have an actual sit-down meal at their favourite restaurant. 

However, many Victorians did something else when the clock struck midnight: they rushed to (*checks notes*) Kmart. 

Yes, you read that correctly.

Kmart stores in Burwood, Campbellfield, Fountain Gate, Belmont and Werribee all opened at midnight as soon as restrictions eased, and videos on social media showed the massive crowds forming outside. 

After months and months of lockdown, thousands of people flocked to the popular retail store to snag some cheap deals and—most importantly—stock up on their indoor plants. 

Of course, it's not hard to understand why. I'm sure you're also familiar with the feeling of adrenaline coursing through your veins as you enter the store, and prepare to buy absolutely anything and everything you can. 

Kmart managing director Ian Bailey told 3AW's Neil Mitchell that 500 people visited each of the five stores in the first 30 minutes, while a whopping 10,000 shoppers went through between midnight and 6am. 

The store has launched an online system that allows shoppers to, uh, book themselves in for a visit. (Basically, there's no reason to book a table for a nice romantic dinner anymore, because you can just book a Kmart date instead.)

Shoppers are required to choose their preferred store, before entering how many people will be visiting during the trip, and which time they'd prefer to go.

People can still go to a Kmart store without a booking, but they may have to wait in a line. 

Naturally, the memes have already started to emerge. 

I thought I’d seen it all... and then I saw people on the news crying as they ran into Kmart at midnight.

— Kat (@katjh22) October 27, 2020

In 2020 Melbourne - you need to book to go to Kmart.

How amazing. https://t.co/HL2h3jUg77

— Laura Jayes (@ljayes) October 27, 2020

Others are concerned that this kind of behaviour will lead to another outbreak of coronavirus.

bro i just saw a video of a kmart that used to be across the road from me w/ a hugeeee line w minimal social distancing im so glad i dont live there anymore 😭

— bella / buzz ✨ (@astrobuzz) October 28, 2020

At this stage, I just really feel for the checkout operators. 

Kmart workers rn😭 pic.twitter.com/OeplM4YPs3

— Brotherdarky 🇯🇲 🇸🇴 (@Brotherdarky) October 27, 2020

Header Image: Twitter (@ZaneMarshall)