Frenzy over Big W dupe of $400 item fashion

Australians are going mad for a $30 dupe of a fashion item that retails for nearly $400, with shoppers torn over which they prefer.

Australians are going mad for a $30 dupe of a fashion item that retails for nearly $400, with shoppers torn over which they prefer.

Popular social media page Kmart Insider compared the $30 &me Women’s Side Stripe Pants from Big W in navy and black to a pair from Bassike, which retail for $395.

“These pants are incredible for $30. I bought the navy pair yesterday now I need to run back for the black. Big W have finally had a glow up in their women’s clothing!,” one shopper posted.

While another posted: “It’s ALL about the fabric in the expensive ones. They are divine and luxe quality, but sure, hell, Im gonna try these 30 buck ones.”

A third asked: “Please tell me that no one would spend nearly $400 for those”.

But not all were fans of the $30 trousers from the budget retailer.

“Not good for girls with bums, they’re on the small side. I’m returning mine. as I am normally size 14 to 16 but even the 18 was too tight,” one social media user said.

Kmart Insider compared the two trousers. Picture: Instagram/Kmart Insider

A Big W spokesperson told news.com.au: “We know our customers are looking for value without compromising on style and design and we are proud to offer products across a range of categories to help create those designer looks without the hefty price tag.”

It comes after shoppers took to popular social media group Big W Mums Australia after noticing price check machines missing from their local stores. But those same customers lamenting the loss of the in-store scanners will likely be pleased with Big W’s explanation.

“Why did Big W get rid of the price checkers in store? It’s so silly because now they ask you to scan using the Big W app,” one customer asked.

Others were quick to echo the query.

“No one knows, not even staff. The app doesn’t scan clearance or deleted lines though, so it’s frustrating,” one customer claimed.

Many raved about the pants. Picture: Instagram/@becstylelife

The Big W trousers retail for $30. Picture: Instagram/@becstylelife

Another added: “And 90 per cent of the time you can’t as there’s no signal on the phone.”

“I’d like to know why too. What was the big deal? We could scan the items ourselves, not bother the staff and double check the price on something to see if we wanted to purchase it,” another said.

However, the loss wasn’t what customers thought it to be.

A Big W spokesperson confirmed that some stores were missing the price check points but that it wouldn’t be for long as the system was being overhauled.

“Our customers have been telling us they want price checkers in our stores, and in response to their feedback, we are in the process of upgrading and replacing them across our network,” the spokesperson told news.com.au.

“In the meantime if a customer can’t find a price checker, they can use our BIG W app or ask one of our friendly team to help them.”

Originally published as Frenzy over Big W dupe of $400 item fashion