ALDI releases $69 dupe of $189 Coolcabanas beach tent in time for summer

No matter your stance on these controversial shelters, these bad boys don't seem to be going anywhere. So, will you jump on the bandwagon this year?

Eleanor Katelaris

2 min read

December 19, 2023 - 9:16AM

Lifestyle

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Remember last summer, when beaches looked more like cabana conventions than actual beaches?

Coolcabanas took over our shores, sparking debate on social media about people 'hogging' prime real estate with these massive open-air beach tents.

On the other hand, others defended them, saying it was a win for sun safety.

No matter your stance - these bad boys don't seem to be going anywhere, and ALDI has even decided to jump on the bandwagon.

The budget retailer is bringing the trend back this year and releasing their own version just in time for Chrissie!

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Image: ALDI

ALDI's $69.99 Coolcabana dupe

The dupe, which will retail for just $69.99 as opposed to $189-$299, is giving Coolcabanas a run for their money.

It's part of their 'Beachy Basics' Special Buys range, set to hit stores on Saturday, December 23 and it looks almost identical to the original.

ALDI's version combines style, shade, and sun safety and is available in two prints - the classic blue and white stripes and a tropical palm leaf.

And it's not all about the cabana. ALDI is also selling a sand-free Cabana Floor Towel, $59.99, that's sure to be a game-changer for anyone tired of bringing the beach back in their car. Plus, it has a centre hole designed to fit the cabana's central pole.

ALDI's summer range has also got you covered for all the other beach essentials; sun hats, beach shorts, swimwear, beach dresses and beach shirts.

Image: ALDI

"The ALDI one looks sturdier"

Online, people have already started to get wind of the Coolcabanas dupe.

Taking to the ALDI Mums Facebook page, a woman asked: "Does anyone have a Coolcabana? Are they worth the price or should I grab an ALDI one?"

"I really couldn't justify paying 200 bucks for one, I reckon the ALDI one would be just as good," wrote one user.

Another suggested, "I'd give it a try, considering the price. If it doesn't work out, then spend money on the Coolcabana."

"ALDI one looks sturdier with a higher roof so you can stand up easily," pointed out someone else.

And then this woman shared, "I might get it seeing it has a year warranty and ALDI is so good with returns so you could get a full refund if it turns out to be poor quality."