Chaos in the aisles as 'real life Temu' store launches in Brisbane on the site of a former Bunnings

Published: 04:50, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 04:53, 4 August 2026 Shocking footage captured a discount store dubbed the 'real life Temu' left completely trashed by shoppers after its grand opening sparked a massive frenzy. Panda Mart had a soft opening at Rocklea, south-west Brisbane, over the weekend and held its official launch on Monday after construction finished on the site of a former Bunnings. The megastore was founded in South Africa more than ten years ago and now has 100 stores across New Zealand, South America and the United States.  Panda Mart stocks everything from homewares and cleaning supplies to gym equipment, selling at low prices. Much of its stock is sourced from wholesale Chinese markets, prompting shoppers to call it the 'real life Temu'.  The Rocklea store triggered feverish excitement, with massive queues seen at the entrance, reports of customers waiting for up to 35 minutes, and many drivers lining up for hours waiting for a parking spot.  Shopper Francesca Angeles said she was turned off by the store due to the traffic.  'The traffic, guys… we went in and we did a U-ey to come out because it would have been hours before we found a car spot,' she said in a Tiktok.  'I was not sitting in the car for like two hours, so I might give it about a week,' she said.  Chaos has erupted in the aisles of a new 'Temu in real life' store after shoppers rushed in for a bargain at Queensland's grand opening, leaving the shop looking trashed Discount retailer Panda Mart opened its Rocklea doors in south west Brisbane , on the site of a former Bunnings, over the weekend, before its official launch on Monday Despite the havoc, there were plenty of positive reviews for the store which had more than 30,000 items on sale in categories ranging from toys, homewares to travel.  Home stylist Claire O'Connell initially found the crowds overwhelming, but said she loved what she saw inside.  'There are some really good bargains and the prices were incredible,' she said.  'There were some things I would definitely go back for, especially storage containers and some really cool glass jars and loads of cleaning supplies as well. 'I would definitely check it out and will definitely be back here again when I have a need.'  Panda Mart opened its two other stores in Cranbourne and Preston in Victoria in 2025, with the latter also located in a former Bunnings warehouse.  Similar scenes were seen at both openings, with police required to control the crowd.  The Cranbourne site was required to close down for the day, with the shop having more staff on deck when it reopened the following day.  Home stylist Claire O'Connell initially found the crowds overwhelming, but said she loved what she saw inside  Although the franchise is known for its low prices, some controversy has surrounded its stores.  Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors raided the Cranbourne store in March last year after thousands of products were deemed to have failed the mandatory product safety and information standards.  The watchdog also issued a public warning following the seizure of products including toys and baby rattles containing button batteries.  'We know many Victorians are looking for bargains when they're shopping given the cost of living, but they shouldn't have to worry about picking up dangerous products at the same time, especially ones for babies and kids,' Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said at the time.