American tourist shocks Aussies by revealing EB Games’ real name

An American TikToker’s reaction to spotting two ‘extinct’ and ‘massive’ stores in Australia’s capital has gone viral.

In a now-viral TikTok, an American tourist has sent Australians into a frenzy with his astonished reaction to spotting two retail giants in the ACT.

The video captures the moment he spots an EB Games store, exclaiming, “And look, an Electronic Boutique! I haven’t seen one of these in a minute...”

His surprise escalates as he notices a Kmart, with his friend pointing out its impressive size by comparing it to a Dallas store.

American loses it at sight of EB Games and giant Kmart store. Picture: Supplied

The video has sparked a wave of amused responses from Aussies, many of whom were genuinely unaware that “EB” actually stood for “Electronic Boutique.”

Comments flooded in with variations of “THAT'S WHAT EB STANDS FOR?” and “Electronic Boutique WHO”.

One user, simply exclaimed, “THAT'S WHAT EB IN EBGAMES STANDS FOR?” in all caps.

Others playfully chimed in with “EB games has a government name?” and “why you calling eb games by its legal name?”

The revelation seemed to unlock a wave of nostalgia for some. “Electronics boutique! I bought Final Fantasy 8 there”.

Commenters were shocked to discover 'EB' stood for 'Electronic Boutique'. Picture: iStock

Many commenters were quick to point out the differences between Australian and American Kmarts.

“Kmart Australia is not owned by Kmart US,” one user clarified, while others emphasised the superior quality and Target-like experience of the Aussie version.

Helpfully, one commenter summed it up for international users: “Eb games is our GameStop, Kmart is our Target, JB Hi Fi is our Best Buy.”

Many commenters were quick to point out the differences between Australian and American Kmarts (shown here). Picture: Online Retail

Some of the comments were pure gold: “Sir, there ain’t nothing ‘BOUTIQUE’ about EB Games” while another joked: “I always thought ‘eb’ meant Easter bunny.”

The video also inadvertently triggered a wave of local pride, with many users quickly identifying the location as Westfield Belconnen in Canberra.

TikTok users recognised the shopping centre as Westfield Belconnen. Picture: Scentre Group

“I know belco mall when I see it,” one user declared, while others expressed surprise and delight at seeing their local shopping centre featured on TikTok.

And of course, some couldn’t help but point out some “Only in Australia” moments, like the surprise at Kmart having a restaurant inside or the lingering Christmas decorations in January.

The EB Games brand is defunct in the US, but still operates in Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Kmart previously had a common shareholder with the US version but is no longer connected to it.

Originally published as American tourist shocks Aussies by revealing EB Games’ real name