Kmart selling popular beach item for $55 – $200 cheaper than rivals

Coolcabanas have gripped the nation but, with a $249 price tag, they haven’t been in everyone’s budget. Now, Kmart has released a $55 version.

One department store has jumped on a beachside trend, after social media users were divided about it popping up on Australia’s shorelines.

Coolcabanas have gripped the nation but, with a $249 price tag, they haven’t been within everyone’s budget.

Now, Kmart has released three similar versions – with one costing as little as $55.

The discount retailer has the stripe cabana and the tropical leaf cabana, which retail for $55.

But there is also a 1.95m deluxe stripe beach cabana, which retails for $79.

Coolcabanas come in 12 different prints, and offer UPF 50+ protection, and the large version covers close to six square metres of shade.

Kmart have released a $55 cabana. Picture: Kmart

Meanwhile, the $55 Kmart version is made from UVE 95+ per cent fabric.

It comes after social media clips showed beaches in places such as the Gold Coast, Queensland, and Perth filled with them.

One clip from @viralqueenliv, saw a beach covered in the colourful tents.

Many social media users were quick to defend the new trend, calling it a positive step for sun safety.

“I don’t get it – people aren’t taking up more space than they normally would, they just have shade,” one person wrote.

Another added: “They’re all over Perth too! I don’t know, I think it’s cool people are being conscious about the sun.”

One said: “I think they’re great – they don’t block the view like the old tents.”

“I wish I had one! My $15 Kmart umbrella didn’t stand a chance. Thirroul 1, Umbrella 0,” another commented.

Melanoma sufferers hailed the cabanas as a brilliant idea to encourage sun safety.

Aussie beaches are now covered in the coolcabanas, much to some people's chagrin. Picture: TikTok/@viralqueenliv

Kmart have released their own version. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Others said they had seen the cabanas in places such as Sydney, Newcastle and Noosa.

Some were less than impressed.

“I was just there and couldn’t see the water when I walked in,” one said.

One said: “Literally was at Rainbow Bay the other day and was overwhelmed by the coolcabanas.”

“They’re infuriating, all over the beach,” another ranted.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer diagnoses in the world, with 2000 people dying every year from the disease.

The Cancer Council recommends that, while in the sun, Aussies should be using sunscreen that is at least SPF30+ in protection.

It also recommends wearing clothing, putting on a hat and sunglasses, as well as finding a spot in the shade.