Woolworths to sell Australia Day holiday merchandise in reversal of 2024 policy
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Supermarket chain says it will help customers ‘celebrate the day’ by selling flag-themed items. Woolworths says it will mark the Australia Day holiday in-store this year, after it stopped stocking themed merchandise last year amid a “broader discussion” of what 26 January meant to the community.
The supermarket chain, which also owns department store Big W, said it would offer Australian flag-themed merchandise such as hats, sunglasses, bunting and a “clip-on ribbon” through its online stores. Its physical stores would highlight Australian produce aimed at long-weekend barbecues.
Last January, Woolworths said its supermarkets and Big W would no longer stock Australia Day merchandise in the lead-up to 26 January. It said the decision was ultimately a business one, with a “gradual decline in demand” for merchandise throughout previous years.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email. On Wednesday, a Woolworths spokesperson said the company would be “celebrating Australia Day as a team, and with our customers” – a change from last year’s position. “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,” the spokesperson said.
The supermarket, as well as Big W stores, will create “Perfect for Australia Day” sections in-store with a focus on food and produce for barbecues, as well as showcasing “products perfect for family and friends coming together over the Australia Day long weekend”.
