‘Completely free’: Insane reason for massive queue in Sydney

A queue has snaked through a prestigious suburb, including some famous faces, as hundreds tried to get their hands on freebies.

Eleanor Katelaris

less than 2 min read

November 23, 2024 - 2:21PM

Made in Bondi cast stumble across Flybuys pop up

Hundreds of Sydneysiders lined up along the bustling Oxford Street today to gain access to a shop that was open for just one day.

Flybuys launched its first-ever rewards pop-up store, titled “Don’t Buy It, Flybuys It,” in the prestigious Sydney suburb of Paddington, allowing customers to grab incredible deals without spending a cent.

This nostalgic take on a classic general store sold a variety of “faux” products, including onion soup, minestrone and milk.

But the twist was – these faux items represented premium products, rewards, or experiences that the first 500 visitors could pick up for free without using any points or cash.

The hand-picked rewards included items from well-known brands such as Apple, Samsonite, ghd, Bissell, iRobot, Bosch, Liquorland, and OnePass.

Attendees also had the chance to score domestic flights, Le Creuset cookware and De’Longhi coffee machines.

Lines outside the Flybuys pop up store in Paddington, Sydney. Picture: Supplied

People waited for hours in an attempt to score a range of premium freebies. Picture: Supplied

Given that it was a first-come, first-served event, it was no surprise that punters began queuing at 6:55am for the 9am opening.

Just minutes before the doors opened, around 100 people were waiting in line, which snaked down Elizabeth Street and onto Victoria Street.

Many brought their families along and even set up camping chairs to stay comfortable while they waited.

People were in the queue from 6.55am for a 9am opening. Picture: Supplied

A happy punter with his brand new food processor. Picture: Supplied

To enter the pop-up, guests needed to show their Flybuys card, however, those who were not members could sign up on the spot.

Curious passers-by also joined the line, eager to learn what the fuss was about, and signed up for the loyalty program as well.

Clips on Instagram captured the frenzy as customers rushed into the store once it opened, grabbing baskets and immediately checking the backs of products for rewards.

They had just six minutes each to redeem items, leading to a chaotic hunt for the best deals.

A bunch of faux products were available, with rewards listed on the back of them. Picture: Instagram/Flybuys

Footage also featured a group of influencers from Made in Bondi, including Lawson Mahoney and Charlie Moore, who came across the pop-up after a night out on Oxford Street.