Woolies dumps Australia Day-themed merch

Woolies has confirmed its Australia Day merchandise has been dumped from stores across the nation and will no longer be sold.

A Woolworths Group spokesman confirmed there would be no additional Australia Day-themed merchandise sold across its supermarkets or Big W stores for the 2024 public holiday. They cited a “gradual decline” in demand for the merchandise over the years and “broader discussion” about the January 26 date and “what it means” to different parts of the community.

“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,” the spokesman said.

“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.”

While no additional Australia-themed merchandise is available in the group’s physical stores, the Woolworths Group-affiliated outlet My

Deal continues to sell some products online through thirdparty sellers.

Staff at stores will have the choice to work on the public holiday if they are rostered on, after the policy created some confusion last year.

All teams in support offices will take the public holiday.

The sudden move follows a broader pushback against the controversial January 26 date, with many arguing it is not inclusive to Indigenous Australians.

At least 81 councils have moved the dates of their traditional citizenship ceremonies away from January 26, after the federal government revoked a rule forcing local councils across the country to host the ceremonies on Australia Day, effectively leaving it up to councils to decide.