‘Iconic’: Kmart brings back ‘iconic’ item from the 90s

It’s a trend that many believed had long faded away, but the budget retailer has revived it – exciting the 90s kids within us.

Kmart has tugged at the nostalgic heartstrings of shoppers across the country with the return of a digital camcorder, and fans are flocking in-store to get their hands on it.

At $39, the Digital Video Recorder has already gone viral on TikTok, with shoppers filming themselves (ironically on their smartphones) using this retro gem.

The compact camera features a two-inch LCD screen, offers up to 16x digital zoom, and records in 720p HD — perfect for creating home movies reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s.

It also includes an SD card, which you can insert into your laptop to transfer the files.

“The Y2K aesthetic is back, and so is the love for digital cameras and camcorders,” a Kmart spokesperson told news.com.au.

“The Digital Video Recorder brings retro charm with a modern twist — perfect for snapping candid moments and recording memories in a fun, nostalgic way without breaking the bank.

“We know Kmart customers love a good throwback, and these products have made it easy to join the trend. These budget-friendly gadgets offer a simple, no-fuss way to capture life’s everyday adventures.”

“Kmart just released little handy cams,” said influencer @cocodevile. “I’m going see if I can find it before anyone else gets it cause I know they’re going be very popular”.

Once they found the item, they took it home and gave it a whirl, claiming, “the quality is very bad” but “I like that”.

It’s the grainy, low-resolution footage that brought back a wave of childhood memories for Coco and their followers.

Kmart has launched a new Y2K item that shoppers are obsessed with. Picture: TikTok/@cocodevile

The digital Camcorder has sent customers into a frenzy, with some saying they love the grainy footage. Picture: TikTok/@cocodevile

“The quality is so Y2K,” one person commented, while another noted: “I feel like this would be cool if you want to film your life like it’s the 80s/90s. Nostalgic aesthetic. Pretty cool for the price”.

Another declared that they wanted to have the digital video recorders on tables at their wedding for guests to film candid content.

The hype has already influenced many, with one stating, “I bought one last night,” and another saying: “Excellent review, I have been influenced and will be buying for the nostalgia, thank you”.

People who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s have been sent down memory lane. Picture: TikTok/@taniaciuffa79

The nostalgia is palpable in the grainy, lo-fi footage. Picture: TikTok/@thewellnessrecipe

“As a 41-year-old mother of a three-year-old, I feel like this could bring back core memories of my childhood and let him experience it in home movies,” one woman shared.

Meanwhile, others joked that Gen Z wanting to get their hands on the camcorder was a sign that “millennials are cool”.

“Everything of ours is coming back,” joked one.

It comes as Gen Zs have embraced a new-found obsession for “retro” tech, leading to camcorders selling out in op-shops and tech stores across the country.

Kmart has also launched a digital camera. Picture: TikTok/@thealexdiaries

Other videos of shoppers trying out the find have also been posted on TikTok.

One user, @merapage, said it was “such a good find,” while @thealexdiaries urged their followers to “run” to Kmart.

@_aneila_ couldn’t contain her excitement, saying, “I am so getting one” after spotting them in the aisles.

Others are anticipating that this release will signal the return of more retro technology from the budget retailer.

“Yes! Now, can they hurry up and bring backflip phones but with Spotify?” asked one.

While we’re not sure how likely that is, Kmart has also recently released a $49 digital camera.

It features a rechargeable battery, a 2.4-inch screen, and 16x digital zoom as well.

Originally published as ‘Iconic’: Kmart brings back ‘iconic’ item from the 90s