Bunnings has sent Australian shoppers into a frenzy after quietly launching its very own range of blind boxes – a move many are calling peak Aussie culture.
The hardware giant has jumped on the viral collectible trend with the release of ‘Bunnings Mini Bears’, a series of mystery figurines inspired by the beloved green-and-red brand.
The blind boxes feature five possible variants – four standard bears and one rare ‘secret’ version, with odds of scoring the elusive design sitting at one in 16.
Each box costs $12.50, is available in-store only, and shoppers are limited to five per customer.
The collectibles are stocked across most Bunnings stores in Australia and New Zealandwith the exception of a handful of locations in Western Australia due to local trading restrictions.
As with all blind boxes, buyers don’t know which design they’ve scored until they open the packaging – a gamble that’s driving excitement, repeat purchases and early-morning store visits.
‘I’ll be lining up from 6am,’ one eager shopper commented.
‘I need them all immediately,’ another added.
Bunnings has sent Australian shoppers into a frenzy after quietly launching its very own range of blind boxes
The hardware giant has jumped on the viral collectible trend with the release of ‘Bunnings Mini Bears’, a series of mystery figurines inspired by the beloved green-and-red brand
What are blind boxes – and why are they everywhere?
Blind boxes are sealed collectible items sold in identical packaging, meaning customers don’t know which figure they’ve purchased until it’s opened.
The concept originated in Asia, particularly in Japan and China, where brands like Pop Mart popularised the model through designer toys such as Labubu, Molly, and Dimoo.
The thrill lies in the surprise element and the chase for rare or ‘secret’ variants – a format that has since exploded globally, especially on TikTok, where unboxing videos regularly rack up millions of views.
While blind boxes have traditionally been associated with fashion-forward designer toys and pop culture franchises, Bunnings’ take puts a distinctly Australian spin on the trend.
The ‘bogan Labubu’
Aussie mum Tyla Foster said she rushed to her local store as soon as she heard about the release.
‘My husband saw the ad for the Bunnos bears and sent it to me,’ she told the Daily Mail.
Blind boxes are sealed collectible items sold in identical packaging, meaning customers don’t know which figure they’ve purchased until it’s opened
Some shoppers reported visiting multiple stores with no luck, while others said staff were unaware the product even existed
‘I thought they were so cute and way more on brand for Australia than other mystery boxes, so I went first thing Monday morning to get my hands on them.’
Tyla said the range felt like a natural fit for the hardware giant.
‘It’s genius from Bunnings to get on the trend. I’d love to see more editions – especially one with a sausage sizzle in its hand or something.’
She also revealed how the nickname ‘bogan Labubu’ was born.
‘It just rolled off the tongue and seemed very fitting given how Aussie they were.’
The rollout hasn’t been without confusion.
Some shoppers reported visiting multiple stores with no luck, while others said staff were unaware the product even existed.
‘Went to two stores this morning and nothing – and nobody had any idea what I was talking about,’ one person wrote.
Aussie mum Tyla Foster said she rushed to her local store as soon as she heard about the release – and luckily was able to collect all five variants
Another said the bears were hidden in an unexpected spot.
‘My Bunnings had them in the most random aisle. They were in the plumbing aisle.’
Despite the hiccups, demand shows no signs of slowing.
‘I’ve never wanted a Labubu, but I want one of these,’ a shopper admitted.
And perhaps the most common question of all: ‘Why are none of them holding a Bunnings snag?’
With blind boxes continuing to dominate global retail trends, Bunnings’ unexpected foray into collectibles appears to have struck a nerve – proving that even a hardware store can spark a full-blown frenzy when nostalgia, novelty and surprise collide.
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Published on: 2025-12-16 06:49:00
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
