---
title: We visited a surprisingly detailed virtual Kmart
description: Of all the things you can build in VR, people are flocking to a digital Kmart.
---

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# [We visited a surprisingly detailed virtual Kmart](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/0802022-virtual-kmart)

 Written by [Juliet Bennett Rylah](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/author/juliet-bennett-rylah) | Aug 2, 2022 7:25:46 AM

VRChat is a social gaming platform where users can create and explore digital worlds. You might find [live theater](https://uploadvr.com/vrchat-acting-vr-theatre/), a cyberpunk nightclub, or a spooky escape room.

Despite endless possibilities, one hot trend is…

#### **… roleplaying at a virtual Kmart**

“[VRChat Kmart](https://www.vrchatkmart.com/)” was created in 2019 by a guy known only as Eric, a former electronics manager at an IRL Kmart, of which just [three remain](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2022/04/11/kmart-store-closings-2022-final-stores/7274962001/).

Last week, the digital department store went viral [on Twitter](https://twitter.com/CoachDorntastic/status/1552358470141214720). Its Discord has 3.4k+ members, and some players even hold unpaid “jobs.”

Two [told](https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjkkkw/jobs-at-virtual-vrchakmart) *Vice* the best part is all the people they’ve met while pretending to be Kmart associates.

#### **I hadn’t been to Kmart…**

… since mine closed to become [a Britney Spears experience](https://www.avclub.com/relive-your-favorite-britney-spears-moments-baby-one-1841521253), so this weekend I went to Super VRChat Kmart Center.

I found a meticulous replica — a Kmart time capsule stocked with products like “The Sims 2” and Pepto Bismol. It also had:

- A parking lot full of midsize sedans
- PA system announcements
- Bathrooms and a food court
- A [Bluelight Special](https://www.retaildive.com/news/kmart-brings-back-the-blue-light-special/408484/#:~:text=The%20Bluelight%20Special%20debuted%20in,part%20of%20the%20American%20lexicon.) — portable heaters, 90% off

#### **Despite the quirky experience, VRChat has issues**

It recently cracked down on “mods” — modifications players make to games, like [this one](https://www.nexusmods.com/stray/mods/58) that lets you play cat game “Stray” as Garfield.

It was supposed to stop bad actors mucking up the platform, but wiped out accessibility mods like closed captioning, [pissing off](https://www.ign.com/articles/vrchat-bans-mods-community-angry) players.

While VRChat has promised to fast-track similar features, it’s unclear if once-loyal players who’ve since rage-quit will return for Kmart nostalgia.

**BTW:** If you’re curious about VRChat’s other worlds, check out these [unique experiences](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UBmmpt5iJ8).

[View full post](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/0802022-virtual-kmart)

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