Woolworths makes a shocking move ahead of Australia Day
- Replies 55
Australia Day merchandise—including flags, decorations, and party supplies—have long been popular supermarket items leading up to January 26.
But this week, Woolworths decided to remove all such products from its stores nationally—joining Kmart in halting sales in response to growing debate about the suitability of this date for Australia's National Day.
The supermarket giant acknowledged the divisions in the community around Australia Day in its official statement:
'There has been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores over recent years. At the same time, there’s been broader discussion about January 26 and what it means to different parts of the community.'
‘We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together, and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.’
‘Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of Australia every day, and we’re proud to support the farmers, producers, and suppliers who work with us,’ the statement read.
Moreover, Woolworths clarified that its retail teams can work on January 26 if rostered, as is the policy for all public holidays.
For many Indigenous Australians and their allies, January 26 is marked by the 1788 arrival of the British First Fleet—a day they associate with a significant loss of their land and culture.
In a 2021 Australia Talks National Survey, the majority of the respondents said that Australia Day should not be observed on that day, considering the date's profound historical implications for Indigenous nations.
With shifting cultural perspectives, major retailers are now split on selling Australia Day products: Kmart and Woolworths have stopped, while Coles confirmed it will supply 'a small range' in 2024 after customer demand.
A Coles spokesperson said: ‘We are stocking a small range of Australian-themed summer entertaining merchandise throughout January, which is popular with our customers for sporting events such as the cricket and tennis, as well as for the Australia Day weekend.’
Some social media users have expressed disappointment as they couldn't find themed items at local supermarkets.
‘I’m trying to purchase Australia Day merchandise from Woolworths and Coles. I have phoned six of my locals here on the Bayside in Brisbane and have been advised that “We don’t stock anything or much anymore as we don’t want to upset anyone”,’ a shopper from Queensland said.
‘Time to find another shop, I'm thinking,’ another wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, others have praised the retailer for their big move. One person said: ‘Great news. We don’t need cheap disposable [things] to celebrate any day.’
Another commented: ‘I agree with Woolies. The amount of commercial rubbish for these events just keeps filling bins.’
Some people have shared what they think about Woolies’ decision:
What’s your take on this, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
But this week, Woolworths decided to remove all such products from its stores nationally—joining Kmart in halting sales in response to growing debate about the suitability of this date for Australia's National Day.
The supermarket giant acknowledged the divisions in the community around Australia Day in its official statement:
'There has been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores over recent years. At the same time, there’s been broader discussion about January 26 and what it means to different parts of the community.'
Woolworths announced they will not sell Australia Day merchandise in their stores this year. Source: Hugo Heimendinger/Pexels
‘We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together, and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.’
‘Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of Australia every day, and we’re proud to support the farmers, producers, and suppliers who work with us,’ the statement read.
Moreover, Woolworths clarified that its retail teams can work on January 26 if rostered, as is the policy for all public holidays.
For many Indigenous Australians and their allies, January 26 is marked by the 1788 arrival of the British First Fleet—a day they associate with a significant loss of their land and culture.
In a 2021 Australia Talks National Survey, the majority of the respondents said that Australia Day should not be observed on that day, considering the date's profound historical implications for Indigenous nations.
With shifting cultural perspectives, major retailers are now split on selling Australia Day products: Kmart and Woolworths have stopped, while Coles confirmed it will supply 'a small range' in 2024 after customer demand.
A Coles spokesperson said: ‘We are stocking a small range of Australian-themed summer entertaining merchandise throughout January, which is popular with our customers for sporting events such as the cricket and tennis, as well as for the Australia Day weekend.’
Some social media users have expressed disappointment as they couldn't find themed items at local supermarkets.
‘I’m trying to purchase Australia Day merchandise from Woolworths and Coles. I have phoned six of my locals here on the Bayside in Brisbane and have been advised that “We don’t stock anything or much anymore as we don’t want to upset anyone”,’ a shopper from Queensland said.
‘Time to find another shop, I'm thinking,’ another wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, others have praised the retailer for their big move. One person said: ‘Great news. We don’t need cheap disposable [things] to celebrate any day.’
Another commented: ‘I agree with Woolies. The amount of commercial rubbish for these events just keeps filling bins.’
Some people have shared what they think about Woolies’ decision:
What’s your take on this, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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