Woolworths will celebrate Australia Day in store by selling Australian-made flags and a selection of items “perfect” for the public holiday in a reversal of its controversial decision last year that prompted calls from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to boycott the supermarket giant.
Woolworths said it had listened to community feedback and “recognised” its customers and employees wanted the supermarket chain to celebrate January 26, which is seen as “Invasion Day” by many Australians because it marks the day the British began to colonise the lands inhabited by Australia’s Indigenous people.
Australia Day and whether it is appropriate to celebrate it on January 26, the day the First Fleet landed and planted the British flag in present-day Sydney in 1788, has become an increasingly divisive issue in recent years. Many Indigenous Australians view that day as a time of mourning, while supporters of the date say it is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the country’s history.
Woolworths will celebrate Australia Day in store this year. Credit: Getty Images
“While we did make changes to our merchandise range last Australia Day due to decline in demand in our stores, we listened and recognised that many customers and teams wanted us to do more to help them celebrate the day,” a Woolworths spokeswoman said.
“In our supermarkets we will do this through the lens of great Australian food that is perfect for the day, while Big W will also showcase products perfect for family and friends coming together over the Australia Day long weekend.”
The ASX-listed retailer ignited a political firestorm last year when it announced it would no longer stock special Australia Day-themed merchandise, such as thongs and hats emblazoned with the national flag, because of declining demand and a “broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community”.
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That decision prompted Dutton to call for a boycott of Woolworths and led to supermarket staff being physically and verbally assaulted.
“If they don’t want to celebrate Australia Day, well, that’s a decision for them, but I think people should boycott Woolworths,” the Opposition Leader told 2GB radio at the time.
