Aldi releases ‘divisive’ $70 beach item

Not ready to part ways with $200 but have CoolCabana FOMO? This budget dupe is for you.

It’s been one of summer’s most divisive beach items over the past few years, and now a budget retailer has released its own version just in time for the season.

Aldi is selling a striped blue and white beach cabana as part of its Special Buys range this week and it’s a near identical knock-off of the pricey CoolCabanas beach shelters.

Yes, those colourful tents that decorate our beaches are back for yet another year, and it’s now more affordable than ever to join the trend.

The cabana “dupe” retails for $69.99, which is much cheaper than the original CoolCabanas, which range from $179 to $249.

The Aldi beach cabana is said to be “quick and easy” to set up and comes with storage pockets and a sand anchor for extra stability on the beach.

A new dupe of the CoolCabanas has launched at Aldi just in time for summer. Picture: Supplied

Social media users in a frenzy over new Aldi item

Aldi has also launched a quick-drying cabana beach blanket, designed to fit perfectly within the tent and features a centre hole for the cabana or umbrella pole.

To complete the beach set up, fans have been loving the $29.99 beach recliner chairs, which are foldable and ideal for transporting to and from the beach.

Social media users have already caught wind of the release and are taking to fan Facebook groups to discuss the launch.

“Does anyone have Aldi’s version of the CoolCabanas? Are the CoolCabanas worth the price, or should I grab the Aldi one?” one woman posted in the Aldi Mums group.

The budget version costs just $69.99 compared to the pricier CoolCabanas. Picture: Supplied

Aldi also released a range of accessories to go with the beach shelter. Picture: Supplied

Fans call it a “game changer”

Aldi fans immediately chimed in to praise the budget buy. One person said they purchased an Aldi cabana six years ago, and “it still works fine.”

“It’s smaller than the CoolCabana, but I love mine that I bought last year!” someone else commented, while another wrote, “We had the first one released by Aldi six years ago and just tossed it out. It was great while it lasted.”

“Love, love, love! I got the blanket too (the one with the hole in the centre, game changer!)” said another user.

“I absolutely love mine. It’s held up well on windy 90-mile beaches,” another group member added.

“It was the best Christmas present ever!”

“Snapped”: Warning over beach cabana

However, many people flocked to the comments to warn others that their Aldi cabana had “snapped” after just one or two uses.

“We bought one last year, and it broke after two uses,” one person commented.

“I received mine the other day, and it snapped because it’s made of plastic. They seemed sturdy, but it broke after one use,” another person revealed.

“I’d spend the extra money to get a CoolCabana that will last for years. I’ve had mine for eight years already!” someone else said.

“Ours also broke after the first use. Get a CoolCabana,” another agreed.

“Ours broke the first time using it! One of the arms broke like 20 mins after we set it up. When we returned it they said heaps had been returned but that was last year so maybe they’ve improved them,” one unsatisfied shopper commented.

“We still won’t be buying again, ruined our beach day!”

“Hesitated buying a CoolCabana for years, couldn’t understand all the fuss. I then bought one and it is totally amazing, worth every cent!” wrote someone else.

Aldi encourages any customer to provide feedback to Aldi directly via the help centre. Customers can return any product they are not satisfied with for a full refund or replacement.

Other budget “dupes”

Kmart is currently offering a similar cabana style for $55, featuring the iconic blue and white design.

According to the website, “This quick and easy one-person set up and 2-in-1 design makes it a versatile solution for both a patio umbrella and a beach shelter.”

Kmart also has a more stylish option called the Natural Cabana, priced at $79 which is beige and has white tassels.

Meanwhile, Bunnings has also jumped on the bandwagon and launched its own take on the trend for $65.

Originally published as Aldi releases ‘divisive’ $70 beach item