Woolworths and BIG W to ditch Australia Day merchandise this year
Woolworths Group has confirmed that it will not be selling any Australia Day merchandise this year.
As noted by 7News.com.au, the retailer, which also owns BIG W, has announced it will not be selling any specific merchandise related to January 26 in its stores.
“While Australian flags are sold within BIG W all year round, we don’t have any additional themed merchandise available to purchase in-store in our supermarkets or BIG W ahead of Australia Day,” a Woolworths Group spokesperson told Mumbrella in a 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 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community.”
Woolworths Group has also confirmed that My Deal, which is also owned by the retailer, will continue to sell some Australia Day-themed products online through third party sellers.
All retail staff will also be given the choice to work on 26 January.
“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,” the statement continues.
“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.”
Woolworths Group is the latest retailer to ditch Australia Day merchandise after Kmart made the same move last year.
The news comes after Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci confirmed that he will front an inquiry that will look into price gouging during Australia’s cost of living crisis this year.
Though the date is yet to be announced, it is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2024.
“We are very aware of the pressures facing many Australian families,” Banducci told Mumbrella in December.
“We welcome the opportunity to explain to the Senate how we are working to balance the needs of our customers, our team and our suppliers in the context of economy-wide inflationary pressure.”
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Neil Griffiths is the editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.
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Shame on you appeasing the minority.
You’ve lost me and my family
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Should the barbeque be cancelled too?
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Shame on you appeasing the minority.
You’ve lost me and my family
Cancel barbecue? No.of course not!
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