Supermarket giant Woolworths is re-embracing Australia Day and stocking up on special Christmas items ahead of January 26, after being criticized for abandoning the national celebration last year.
The retailer revealed that all of its Woolworths and Big W stores will offer a special “Perfect for Australia Day” section this month.
Although the deals would mainly focus on food, customers would also have the opportunity to pick up an Australian or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag while shopping.
Those interested in additional branded items will be able to find an additional selection, including flags, t-shirts, bucket hats, sunglasses and temporary tattoos, in the Woolworths market vendor selection. My Deal, BIG W Market and Everyday Market.
The change comes after the retailer came under fire last January after surprised customers by announcing it would not be selling Australia Day products.
A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that last year’s decision had been driven by “a decline in demand in our stores”, but that the company’s outlets This time “we will celebrate Australia Day as a team and with our customers.”
“We listened and recognized that many customers and teams wanted us to do more to help them celebrate the day,” the spokesperson said.
‘In our supermarkets (Woolworths), we will be doing this through the lens of great Australian food that is perfect for Daytime, while BIG W will also be showcasing products perfect for family and friends gathering over the Day long weekend. from Australia.
After a firestorm of protests last year, Woolworths pivoted back on Australia Day merchandise, selling Australian-made flags in stores. Pictured is an Australia Day reveler
A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that last year’s decision to stop selling Australia Day products was due to “a decline in demand in our stores”.
“Customers can expect to see ‘Perfect for Australia Day’ sections in our supermarkets and BIG W ahead of the day.”
“Our store team members can also celebrate the day in-store.”
“We respect everyone’s decisions about how they choose to spend their day.”
The spokesperson added that individual team members could also celebrate the day in the store.
“Our position is aligned with the National Australia Day Council’s theme of the day: reflect, respect and celebrate,” they said.
The retailer’s controversial decision to pull Australia Day merchandise from shelves last year ended up being extremely divisive.
The move sparked howls of protest from customers, with opposition leader Peter Dutton even calling for a boycott of Woolworths stores.
“I think customers should have the final say here… and that’s why I think people should take their business elsewhere,” Dutton said at the time.
Last year’s Australia Day debacle ultimately led to the resignation of then Woolworths group chief executive Brad Banducci (pictured).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, saying his main goal was to “make sure supermarkets do the right thing by their customers at the checkout.”
“It’s a day where we can respect First Nations people and recognize that it’s a difficult day for them,” he said.
‘But it’s also a day when we can reflect on what it means to be Australian and how we can make the greatest country on Earth even better in the future.
“What I would say to Australians is that Australia Day is a day when you should buy Australian beef, buy some of that wonderful lamb.”
Woolworths staff reported receiving a barrage of negative comments and online abuse from customers in the wake of last year’s decision.
The Australia Day debacle ultimately led to the resignation of then Woolworths group chief executive Brad Banducci.