Shoppers have been urged to stop using any items purchased from Panda Mart, a new discount store in Melbourne’s south-east, after concerns that the products may be “dangerous.”
Consumer Affairs Victoria issued an “urgent” warning following a visit to the store in Cranbourne, where it seized thousands of products that do not meet mandatory safety and information standards.
The store, which opened over the weekend, sells a range of products, including homewares, sports gear, and beauty items. However, some of the items were found to be unsafe, including toys and baby rattles with button batteries that were inadequately secured or labeled, posing a risk to children. Other items could cause choking, strangulation, or injuries and fail to meet safety standards, including cosmetics.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich emphasized that businesses must ensure the products they sell comply with safety standards. “Many Victorians are looking for bargains, but they shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous products, especially those for babies and children,” she said.
Panda Mart, which operates stores globally, including in South Africa, the US, and New Zealand, has been selling products sourced largely from China’s wholesale markets. The store’s arrival in Australia has drawn attention on social media, with some shoppers likening it to the online platform Temu.
Customers who have purchased items from Panda Mart are advised to return them immediately. Businesses that sell non-compliant products face fines up to $50 million, and individuals could be fined $2.5 million.
