‘Honestly a bargain': The Reject Shop is selling a popular item for $6
A popular item loved by both adults and kids has been spotted in a budget retailer – and the affordable price tag has everyone talking.
Squishmallows — a brand of soft, plush toys known for its 'marshmallow-like' texture — have landed at The Reject Shop and are selling for just $6.
The retailer confirmed on Instagram that the products were not a dupe, saying: 'Don't pay $15 elsewhere for these cuddly characters – our price: just $6!!
'These will be snapped up quickly. Run, don't walk!'
Fans were stunned by the fact that Squishmallows had hit the shelves at the discount variety store chain for such a low price.
'I saw these today and can confirm – they're REAL,' one social media user said.
'Great bargain,' another commented.
One person, who claimed to work at the retailer, said they had a customer buy 21 of the toys, calling it a 'steal'.
'Of course I see this after my The Reject Shop closes down,' one lamented.
Another commented: 'I got three of them for my girls from Beenleigh The Reject Shop. Pretty sure they are real feels the same as the real ones.'
'You're feeding my addiction,' one added.
Another said: 'Honestly a bargain! I might need that frog.'
'Well I guess my cat needs a new one now, omg this is amazing,' one person wrote.
'Spreading childhood joy to Aussies'
A spokesperson for The Reject Shop said the range has proven wildly popular.
'With nostalgia trends on the rise, adults are embracing their inner child with kids toys more and more. Our Squishmallow range is giving kids, and adults alike, the chance to get their hands on these soft fuzzy friends for a fraction of the price they're seeing in other retailers,' the spokesperson said.
'At $6 each, The Reject Shop believes in spreading childhood joy to Australians at an accessible price, making birthdays, gifts and bed decor an affordable option for customers nationwide.
'The Reject Shop customers are as excited about the Squishmallows as they have been for our rubber duckies, bringing fun, affordable products for all ages.'
The Reject Shop isn't the only brand cashing in on the Squishmallows love, with Macca's announcing a mini range as part of its Happy Meal toy collection.
The brand has 14 characters available with expressions that were exclusive to the fast food chain. These include Rossi, the purple cheetah with pink spots, and Charles, the winking green pickle.
But, there are even new characters who are debuted as part of the Macca's range, including Halley, the intergalactic axolotl, and Theotto, a monster with dragon wings. Theotto is only available in Australia and New Zealand.
Gerhard Runken, the executive vice president of brand and marketing for the company that makes Squishmallows, said: 'Our first McDonald's Happy Meal collaboration received such a massive global response that we're bringing it to Australia for the very first time.
'We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate our fans than with a Happy Meal featuring character favourites with unique, never-before-seen happy expressions and the debut of our newest Squishmallow Squad member Halley, making the search exciting as ever for fans worldwide.'
The 'kidult' trend
It's no surprise that retailers such as Macca's and The Reject Shop are touting Squishmallows as the next big thing, given the rise in popularity among kids, teens and adults alike.
The 'kidult' trend — items designed for kids but popular with all ages — has taken off in recent months. Footage has shown Aussies lining up at 3am for Labubus, a furry plushie featuring a bizarre grin and sharp teeth.
The cult item has become the ultimate status-boosting accessory after celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa were pictured showing off their own dolls.
Designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the product is sold by Chinese toy company Pop Mart following a collaboration with Lung on his story series book The Monsters, released in 2015.
Aussies were first able to get hold of the now-viral toy following Pop Mart's arrival Down Under in mid-2023.
Fast-forward two years, and there are now 11 Pop Mart stores in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, all of which regularly draw huge crowds with the hopes of snagging an in-demand plushie.
But, as one recent video filmed in Melbourne shows, it's not children who are frantic for the Labubu – it's adults.
Jellycats are having a moment
A similar item — Jellycats — has also been a hit item with all ages. The more traditional stuffed animals (bunnies and bears in particular) have emerged as wildly popular gifts for newborns in recent years. But these days, the designs are nothing short of whimsical, fantastical and even food-orientated.
This is where the food-themed experiences come in. Customers can nab soft toys that look good enough to eat, such as Birthday Cake, Fran Pancakes, Egglatine Egg On Toast, Go To Coffee or ab Irresistible Chocolate Ice Cream, among others.
David Jones, one of Australia's largest sellers of Jelly Cats, told news.com.au: 'We've seen strong demand for the brand and an increase in sales in not only their iconic bunny which they are best known for but also more niche/unique styles.
'There has also been a noticeable shift in the consumer who is buying this product, traditionally bought for children we have seen demand from Gen Z thanks to social media driving the trend among this group.'
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