Bunnings sells divisive $65 item ‘all over’

A popular hardware store’s latest collection has caught the attention of social media users after a polarising item was spotted among the range.

A popular hardware store’s latest collection has caught the attention of social media users after a polarising item was spotted among the range.

Bunnings has released its own beach cabana as part of a summer range released late last year. The 2.4 metre device has a price tag of $65. Bunnings isn’t the only brand to do this. Aldi and Kmart both released cabanas in the past.

However, cabanas on Australian beaches have proved to be a controversial topic.

Social media users had a lot to say about Bunnings range, which also included beach chairs, umbrellas and tents.

“Ohhhh definitely need to check these out,” one said.

Another added: “Yes all over my local beach this summer.”

“Chairs look food for a drinking sesh,” another said.

“Gold Coast spit was lined up with loads of these exact ones the other day,” one declared.

But others were less than impressed. One asked “why are they so ugly” and begged the brand to bring out “neutral colours”. Others said they used the umbrella once and it “snapped immediately”.

Bunnings sells divisive $65 item ‘all over’

Bunnings has released $65 cabanas. Picture: TikTok/Bunnings

Chairs and tents were part of the range. Picture: TikTok/Bunnings

“Our customers have been embracing the summer season with our new beach accessory range to make the most of the warmer days while keeping sun-smart,” Cam Rist, Bunnings director of merchandise, told news.com.au.

“The range has been created by our team to bring in new materials, colours and features which have been popular so far this summer.

“From beach shelters and umbrellas to gazebos and beach chairs, we have a range of products to help our customers enjoy the Aussie summer.”

The cabana trend has proved divisive, with many Australians being incredibly vocal on the issue.

Almost 11,000 readers responded to a news.com.au poll on Tuesday asking whether it is “okay to reserve a spot on the beach with a cabana” after reports that some people pop up their tent simple to grab a coveted spot, and then don’t even use it.

One camp — the no vote — garnered a whopping 82 per cent of the vote. Just 15 per cent said it was OK and three per cent were undecided.

The debate about beach cabanas has been raging since January 2023 after a clip saw one Gold Coast beach covered in the colourful tents.

Cabanas have proven to be divisive this summer. Picture: Facebook

This summer Nic, who goes by @gunclediaries on TikTok, has posted several videos about the sun shades, leading the charge in the debate. The social media user has praised places such as Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the concrete area at the iconic Clovelly Beach as the “place to be” as there are no cabanas in sight.

In another clip he counted how many cabanas there were on another beach, saying there were “up to eight” meaning there was “no room on the beach”.

He said people should be “charged for the space” they take up, adding they took up “prime real estate” at the beach.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in on the issue, saying it “wasn’t on” to set up your cabana and then leaving the beach completely to be able to return later.

“One of the great things about Australia, unlike some parts of the world, you go and you got to pay to go to the beach,’’ Mr Albanese said.

“Here, everyone owns the beach. Everyone. And it’s a place where every Australian is equal. And that’s a breach of that principle, really, to think that you can reserve a little spot as just yours.”

Originally published as Bunnings sells divisive $65 item ‘all over’