Old Kmart Christmas catalogue from 1985 re-surfaces with ‘budget’ buys MORE expensive than 2021 – including a $492 microwave and stereos for a steep $239
- An Australian shopper has shared images of a Kmart catalogue from 1985
- The yellow-stained pages were of a Christmas sale from December 4 to 7
- Top buys seemed to be electronics – including stereos and cassette tapes
- On Facebook hundreds said the catalogue made them feel ‘nostalgic’
A nostalgic shopper has shared photos of a Kmart catalogue from 1985 – and the items were significantly more expensive than they are today despite the ‘place for saving’ slogan.
Images of the old yellow-stained pages of the Christmas sale from December 4 until December 7 pictured top buys on the front page, including $24.98 women’s mesh handbags, $38 children’s toys and haircare gift sets.
Long before online shopping, shoppers relied on hard-copy catalogues for information on the latest in-store buys and discounts.
Photos of the 36-year-old catalogue were shared to a popular Facebook group and quickly caught the attention of hundreds.
An Australian shopper has shared images of a Kmart catalogue from 1985 (pictured)
Stereo speakers and portable cassette radios were the hot Christmas gifts of the 80s, as the first three pages are filled with various top electronic options (pictured)
Stereo speakers and portable cassette radios were the hot Christmas gifts of the 80s, as the first three pages are filled with various top electronic options.
Prices varied between $9.98 for an ‘on the move’ AM radio with headphones and up to $389 for a Sanyo compact disc player.
The cost of microwaves seemed rather steep compared to products sold today with prices starting at $374.
At the time for a mere $60, customers could get their hands on Tasco terrestrial telescopes to bring the night sky 50 times closer.
For office workers, a $299 Olivetti electronic typewriter was available – which was on sale down from $338.
Oddly shaped ‘ruler calculators’ that double as a clock were also priced at $9.98.
The price of microwaves seemed rather steep compared to products sold today with prices starting at $374
Parents after toys for their children could’ve saved ‘near $16’ on a Lego farm set or ‘over $6’ on a Barbie fitness set
Other kitchen appliances, such as the food processor and kettle, looked bulky.
Parents after toys for their children could’ve saved ‘near $16’ on a Lego farm set or ‘over $6’ on a Barbie fitness set.
Customers could also get their hands on $13 model plane kits, ‘Machine Men’ (which seem to be Transformer-like toys) and bicycles.
Leisurewear in bright colours and soft pastels were popular buys among women for go-to summer outfits.
For office workers, a $299 Olivetti electronic typewriter was available as well as oddly shaped ‘ruler calculators’ that double as a clock were also priced at $9.98
Leisurewear in bright colours and soft pastels were popular buys among women for go-to summer outfits
The Facebook post was flooded with comments from others who felt ‘nostalgic’ after seeing the catalogue photos.
‘This was when Kmart had a restaurant, you could buy live fish in the aquarium section for your fish tank and there was a great plant section….my how things have changed,’ one customer from Victoria wrote.
‘My goodness. Crazy how the prices were somewhat similar with today’s prices but most of these things were such good quality you could still use them today,’ another added.
‘Great memories. It took me forever to save up for my stereo while working at Holly’s at Kmart when I was 15,’ a third wrote.