‘Christmas is ruined’: Big W mums up in arms over toy sale fiasco

A mum who declared Christmas “ruined” by an issue in this photo has caused chaos in a Big W fan group – with many defending the store.

Big W is at the centre of a toy fiasco after a string of parents claimed Christmas was “ruined” as a result of buying their kids presents from the popular Australian store.

Furious shoppers have flooded the Big W Mums Facebook group to claim items purchased from the store – many during Big W’s annual toy sale in June and placed on lay-by – were missing vital parts, rendering the toys unusable.

For some, the disappointment of watching their little ones open gifts riddled with issues was too much, with many taking to social media to vent their frustrations.

Big W told news.com.au items sold in its stores are “occasionally faulty or defective” and can be returned to their local branch.

“At Big W we aim to provide great value and quality products to Aussie families,” a spokesperson said.

“Occasionally, faulty or defective products are purchased and we encourage those customers to return them to their local Big W with proof of purchase.”

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Big W has left parents ‘devastated’ after a string of issues have allegedly emerged from items sold at the brand’s annual toy sale. Picture: Facebook/Big W Mums

However one mum said she was “devastated” after ordering her little boy a Bluey scooter that had no handle after he’d spent months pleading for one.

“All my little boy wanted from Santa was a scooter. For months he would always say a scooter and would never change his mind,” she wrote.

“Well, he opened it up and it had no handle, only base where you stand and where the wheels are.

“We are furious, devastated and so upset (also it’s not the only thing he received that was missing parts). Even mummy and daddy were in tears.”

One mum declared Christmas was ‘ruined’ after her son’s scooter was missing a vital part. Picture: Facebook/Big W Mums

Another mum said she purchased the Bluey table and chairs and went to set it up for Christmas when she discovered the “chairs have been packed wrong” resulting in a missing character.

“So upset. All my daughter wanted from Santa was a monster truck. We got it with layby and she opened it this morning and it’s not connecting to the remote,” another mum shared.

However, the sea of angry and disgruntled posts has sparked fury amongst the group, as many members argue it is not Big W’s fault the products have issues.

“Can we change the page to Big W whingers. Seriously people, things go wrong, Big W don’t make the products, they sell them made by manufacturers,” one woman wrote.

“I’m sure they will help with and missing or broken toys the best they can! Saying your child’s Christmas is ruined over a toy is ridiculous.

“Christmas isn’t actually about the toys, it’s about so much more. Maybe focus on having all your loved ones with you and enjoy their presence, not the presents!!”

Other parents said they had issues with items bought as presents. Picture: Facebook/Big W Mums

But those who aired their frustrations were quickly labelled ‘whingers’. Picture: Facebook/Big W Mums

The post sparked a pile on, with some branding the situation “sad” and “disappointing”, as others remarked on how many people have had “missing pieces”.

“THIS!!! So sick of seeing people saying how devastated their children are because they can’t play with a toy for one day,” one person agreed.

“I’m actually shocked at how many have had missing pieces, boxes etc. It’s insane,” another commented.

As one raged: “Oh I 100 per cent agree! So many children are now being raised with materialistic expectations of Christmas, and forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. If a missing part ‘ruined’ your Christmas/your child’s Christmas, you need to take a big deep breath and re-evaluate.”

Some labelled the gripe’s ‘ridiculous’. Picture: Facebook/Big W Mums

Big W’s Toy Mania sale happens in June every year, with parents often queuing at midnight to rush into stores and snag a bargain.

With popular toys slashed down by as much as 50 per cent, many parents will stock up ahead of the silly season.

Those that have since discovered issue with their items can contact Big W’s customer service team on 1300 244 999.

Further details on the returns policy can be found on Big W’s website.

Originally published as ‘Christmas is ruined’: Big W mums up in arms over toy sale fiasco