Outraged woman accuses shop of charging more for size 18 shorts than a size 6

06 November 2023 , 11:59

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Monica Vincent sparked a big debate with her viral video (Image: TikTok/@monicavincent)

Clothes shopping always seems like a fun idea - but the reality can be very different. Whether it's struggling in and out of clothes in the changing room, wrong sizes, or endless queues at the tills, a trip to the shops can actually be a bit of a nightmare.

And now a department store in Australia has been accused of sneakily charging customers more money for bigger sized clothing. In a new viral video, a shopper named Monica Vincent shows herself flipping through a rail of Kmart's 'Pocket Shorts,' showing that the bigger sizes were $2 (£1) more expensive.

The shorts cost $15 (£7.90) in sizes six and eight. Meanwhile, identical shorts in sizes 10 to 18 were priced at $17 (£8.90). "Since when did Kmart change pricing on size 10 and above?" she asked in the TikTok clip.

Monica shared a video that seemed to show higher prices on size ten shorts and above (TikTok/@monicavincent)

However, the store confirmed that all sizes cost the same - the tickets just hadn't been reduced yet (TikTok/@monicavincent)

The video, which was viewed more than 650,000 times before it was taken down, sparked a debate amongst viewers. Many were quick to express their outrage, stating that it was unfair to charge women more based on their body shape. However others felt they could see the logic behind the decision, with one suggesting: "Maybe because it takes more material?"

But actually, the whole discussion is moot since Kmart has now confirmed it was all a mistake. According to the store, all the shorts were originally priced at $17, as shown on the larger sizes' tickets, before Kmart decided to reduce the price to $15. Some price tags simply don't reflect the change yet. The shorts are also priced at $15 in all sizes online and staff have confirmed that the shorts - even if they've ticketed as $17 - will scan as $15 at the till in store.

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It comes after Kmart had to issue an apology after a mum found X-rated content inside her young daughter's Frozen 2 diary. Toni Alamos, 25, explained that she had purchased the book at a Kmart store in Brisbane for her daughter Millie's fifth birthday.

But, when Millie had shown the book to her aunt they found a checklist of sex toys and sex positions inside - and the parent was left feeling horrified. Toni notes that her brother had accidentally bought the same diary for Millie's birthday, but it didn't contain the same X-rated material. She said: "They did try and replace it but I just said I would keep it just for the laughs."

A spokesperson from Kmart told 7News.com.au they were mortified by the error and would be investigating the issue. They said: "Our customers are at the heart of everything we do here at Kmart and our teams are committed to delivering great quality products at everyday low prices everyone can enjoy.

"That's why we are so very sorry - and extremely embarrassed - to hear about a customer's recent experience with our Frozen 2 Diary Make Over Set. We do hope this is an isolated incident, but have decided to withdraw this item from sale just to be sure."

Gemma Strong