Melbourne woman seeks discreet Kmart online orders to hide pet purchases
Reddit discussion turns on how large items are shipped and whether packaging reveals what was bought
A Melbourne woman asked on the Kmart Australia subreddit how online orders are packaged to avoid housemates seeing what she buys, prompting a broader discussion about how the retailer ships large items. The posts revealed she planned to order pet-related equipment, including a cat litter box cabinet and a pet enclosure, but wanted to keep the purchases confidential from her housemates. She later disclosed the underlying reason: she is hiding a pet in her bedroom, later clarifying that the animal is a rabbit.
The post circulated on Reddit as the shopper asked whether online orders are typically shipped in plain brown boxes with only a Kmart logo on the side, or whether items arrive in their original on-shelf packaging with the product name and images visible. She explained her concern about the potential visibility of the packaging and asked for input from others who had experience with Kmart's online fulfillment. The conversation touched on how different types of items are packed and what might be most discreet for large, bulky purchases.
In updates to the thread, the woman confirmed the extent of her secrecy: the pet is indeed living in her home, and the online purchases were part of preparing a private space for it. The revelation of a rabbit rather than a cat added another layer to the discussion about packaging, since the size and nature of the items involved can influence how a shipment is prepared and presented to the recipient.
A wave of responses from Reddit users and self-described Kmart staffers weighed in on typical shipping practices. Several commenters shared firsthand experiences indicating that smaller online orders often arrive in Kmart-branded boxes or plain satchels, with the packaging obscuring the contents. In contrast, larger items, such as pet enclosures or cabinets, were more likely to be shipped in their original packaging because they are too large to fit in standard shipping cartons. This could mean the product name and imagery remain visible on the box, potentially compromising discretion for anyone hoping to keep their purchases private.
Some participants who claimed familiarity with Kmart’s fulfillment process offered practical workarounds. They suggested using Click & Collect so the buyer could unbox items personally, or having the delivery sent to a Post Office for pickup. A number of commenters who described themselves as store personnel noted that large items can be delivered as item cartons with labels affixed to the box; smaller items, when possible, are placed in cartons or satchels to keep contents less obvious until opened. These insights correspond with the practical logistics of delivering bulky online orders where space constraints prevent repackaging into standard shipping boxes.
The online discussion also touched on the social dynamics of discreet shopping. Some readers questioned why the shopper felt the need to hide a pet purchase, while others joked about the possible consequences of living with a pet that might eventually reveal itself. Several commenters pointed out practical concerns such as the potential odor or noise from a new pet and advised focusing on responsible pet care as much as on packaging concerns. The thread, while humorous at times, underscored a broader consumer interest in how retailers handle the presentation of shipments in ways that protect privacy.
The episode illustrates a broader curiosity about how large, home-delivery orders are managed and the lengths to which shoppers may go to keep personal purchases private. It also highlights the realities of fulfillment for bulky items, where the physical dimensions of products outpace standard shipping boxes, making discreet packaging more challenging. For consumers who want to maintain privacy about home-life arrangements—whether related to pets or other private matters—the discussion points to practical options like in-store pickup, or selecting delivery methods that allow for direct, hands-on unboxing.
Overall, the exchange offers a snapshot of how culture and consumer behavior intersect in the online shopping era. It reflects ongoing interest in the nuances of packaging, the realities of shipping bulky products, and the everyday considerations shoppers weigh when they balance privacy with practicality. As online retail evolves, these conversations contribute to a broader understanding of how fulfillment choices affect the consumer experience and personal boundaries in the home.