‘Pandemonium’: Insane queue shuts down ‘real life Temu’

An Aussie store dubbed the “real life Temu” was forced to shut its doors after police were called due to an overwhelming crowd.

A discount store dubbed the “real life Temu” was forced to shut its doors after police were called due to an overwhelming crowd of hundreds of shoppers, some of whom became irate.

Panda Mart, which first opened in South Africa a decade ago, opened in Cranbourne, Melbourne last week. However, huge queues were still piled up outside the outlet over the weekend.

Images have showed up to 1000 people lining up to get into the budget retailer to get their hands on some of the 28,000 homewares, beauty products, toys, party supplies and tech products.

The crowd got so hectic, with some queue-jumping and even pushing past staff, that the store was forced to shut its doors on Saturday afternoon.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed to news.com.au that officers were called “to make sure the crowd was safe and orderly”.

Panda Mart, which first opened in South Africa a decade ago, opened in Cranbourne, Melbourne last week. Picture: Reddit

The store reopened on Sunday with security in tow.

Staff member Jordan Alkemade told 9 News: “I thought the doors were going to fall through, you know. It was crazy.

“But now with security and especially when we had police here yesterday, it’s all good, it’s all safe.”

The brand issued a statement on Facebook, apologising for the “recent crowding” that “may have impacted shopping experience”.

“To improve safety and comfort, we’re actively managing customer flow by increasing staff, implementing crowd control, and streamlining checkout,” the spokesperson said.

“Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to provide a better shopping experience.”

Shoppers were stunned at the scenes, with one social media user taking to Reddit to share a snap of it.

“I have personally been inside and there are tons of everyday items at incredibly low prices. Think of it as a physical store for Temu,” the social media user said.

“Today the surge in customers was outrageous. Long line up to the main road (approximately 200m).

Police were called and doors were shut due to overcrowding. Picture: 9 News

“A lot of arguments and people shouting at each other. Back doors were opened so customers can leave the store.”

Other described it as “pandemonium”.

“I must be living under a rock! What in the world is a panda mart? Never heard of one in Melbourne until now,” one said.

Another said: “Why is a place like this in such high demand lol. Isn’t Temu-type items known for trash?”

“It was causing traffic mayhem this morning,” one social media user said.

One added: “Another Temu-alike store that Melbourne doesn’t need.”

The Cranbourne store is the first to launch in Australia, with another planned for Preston. Owner John Chen told Cranbourne News that the business provides customers with more price options.

He also said eventually he hopes to have 50,000 items available to purchase.

Originally published as ‘Pandemonium’: Insane queue shuts down ‘real life Temu’