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'Gutted' Kmart shopper's $79 Christmas tree sparks debate

A Kmart shopper has sparked a festive debate after posting a photo of her Christmas tree online, disappointed in its lackluster appearance.

Jenny purchased the popular Christmas tree from Kmart after it received stellar reviews online.

However, the Christmas enthusiast was left severely disappointed with the tree's lack of presence once it was assembled, finding the branches more sparse than spectacular.

Photo of an artificial Kmart christmas tree in the living room, from a distance, branches look sparse.
The Kmart tree needs to be fluffed – something Jenny was not aware of. Source: Facebook

"As I took it out of the box I knew it wasn’t right," she told Yahoo News Australia.

"I was gutted, very disappointed."

The tree in question is a full pre-lit artificial tree, retailing at $79. However, Jenny found that when it was assembled there were huge gaps between the branches exposing the wire holding it up.

"I was so excited to open up my new Kmart Xmas tree and decorate it," she wrote, alongside a picture to a Facebook group.

"I think the rest speaks for itself."

After posting the photos, Jenny was told by fellow Christmas tree owners it was actually user error that lead to the tree's slightly sad appearance.

Kmart users reveal 'fluffing' tree secret on Facebook

Thousands of users who also own the popular tree commented on the post, telling the woman she hadn't set up the tree properly and artificial Christmas trees need to be 'fluffed' to fill them out.

"We have the same tree just need to fluff the crap out of it haha I took an hour just fluffing it when we put it up," one user wrote.

"I have this tree! You just need to fluff it up it takes a while and then once decorations are added it ends up being quite pretty!" agreed another.

Facebook users quickly pointed out the mistake in setting up the tree. Source: Facebook
Facebook users quickly pointed out the mistake in setting up the tree. Source: Facebook

"Gotta work it, lift the stuff at the mid of the branch, then shape the front ones into a starfish type thing," one user helpfully suggested.

"It looks much more tree-like than the overstuffed expensive ones."

"It takes a while but every single branch needs to be spread out and angled so there are no spaces," added another.

Jenny said that unfortunately, it made no difference to her tree.

"I tried fluffing it [and] spreading out the branches [but they're] still very bare,' she said.

"The pine leaves just kept falling out and the inside of the branches were very thin and bare. Big gaps everywhere.

"I'm not happy at all, and will be returning it to Kmart."

Yahoo News Australia has contacted Kmart for comment.

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