‘Sold out’: Kmart selling ‘dupe’ of Dyson’s $799 Airwrap for $59
The budget retailer just released a “dupe” of an expensive Dyson gadget to rave reviews – with stock across the country completely disappearing.
Aussies are raving about a new Kmart product that hit shelves this week – with some even comparing it to an expensive device that sells for more than 10 times the price.
The budget retailer’s $59 Air Styler is a hair tool that is billed as being able to create “salon-worthy hair at home” – and it is proving so popular, it has already “sold out” across the country.
While many have missed out, those who have managed to get their hands on the new gadget have been posting glowing reviews on social media, with some even claiming it as good as Dyson’s cult Airwrap device.
The British tech giant originally launched the clever styling device, which retails between $679 to $799 depending on where you purchase it, in 2018 and it has been a firm favourite among beauty lovers ever since.
Engineering experts spent six years developing the hugely successful tool.
Instead of traditional curling techniques that involve excessive heat, the device uses high pressure blasts of air on a curved surface to create the desired look, a method known as the “Coanda effect”.
However, it is one of the most “duped” products in the world, with a stream of knock-offs being released in recent years, all attempting to mimic Dyson’s groundbreaking technology.
While no dupe can compare, the Airwrap uses “intelligent heat control” to ensure hair health and many shoppers are swayed by the more affordable price.
Kmart’s recent release is no different, with TikTok videos emerging of shoppers showing off their “Dyson dupe”.
The retailer told news.com.au it had released the new beauty product into stores as part of its ongoing commitment to providing Australians “great value”.
“The Kmart Air Styler hit stores this week, with the initial delivery already selling out. Due to customer demand, more stock will be arriving in the coming weeks” a spokesperson said.
“At Kmart we look to bring awesome products at great prices to make customers’ lives better.
“This product has the performance to deliver great results. We love seeing our customers using our products in their everyday lives.”
One delighted buyer, who posts under the handle @britlea95, has shared a string of videos reviewing the gadget. She told followers to “run” to buy the item.
“It’s 10 out of 10, save yourself the money,” she declared in one clip, prompting a flurry of responses from Aussies stating they had rushed to buy it.
“I can’t believe how quickly you convinced me to buy this…” one shared.
“Literally sold out in all the stores in my area. Wow we move fast,” another declared.
“Bought this before I even finished your video,” someone else added.
However, some warned of the differences between Kmart’s version and the original Dyson.
“You’d wanna be lathering your hair in heat protector using that Kmart dupe! Unlike the Airwrap – it uses heat,” one urged.
Sir James Dyson opened up to news.com.au about how so many of the brand’s products are regularly copied at the launch of the brand’s Supersonic Nural hair dryer in South Korea in March.
“It’s certainly not flattering, but it’s the way the world is,” Mr Dyson said.
“It’s very unfortunate for the consumer actually because they’re not getting choice. If companies that copied actually developed their own technology, then a customer would have good choice.
“But unfortunately intellectual property isn’t strong enough to stop people essentially copying others. You wouldn’t put up with it in the music world, you would call it ‘immoral’, but it is accepted in our world and other companies are unscrupulous to that.
“They unashamedly copy things.”