In a major reversal, Woolworths has announced that it will once again be selling Australia Day merchandise in its stores.
This comes after a massive backlash from the community and politicians over its initial decision to stop selling the items. But what’s behind this sudden change of heart?
The People Have Spoken: Woolworths Listens to Customer Outrage
Woolworths initially claimed that it was stopping the sale of Australia Day merchandise due to “declining sales”.
However, it seems that the real reason was a desire to avoid controversy. But the company quickly realized that Aussies were not happy about the decision. In fact, many people threatened to boycott the supermarket giant altogether. It’s clear that Woolworths has learned a valuable lesson: don’t mess with Australia Day.
A Symbol of National Pride: Australia Day Merchandise Back on the Shelves
So, what can customers expect to find in Woolworths stores this Australia Day? The company has announced that it will have a “Perfect for Australia Day” section, primarily focusing on food. You’ll also be able to find Australian flags in the general merchandise section. And if you’re looking for more Australia Day-themed items, you can head online to Woolworths’ marketplace sellers My Deal, BIG W Market, and Everyday Market.
The Voice of the People: “We’re Sick of Being Told What to Do”
According to media commentator Prue MacSween, the backlash against Woolworths is a sign of a larger trend. Aussies are simply “sick of it” when it comes to companies trying to tell them how to live their lives. “What I want to know is when did corporations, banks, people like Woolworths and pubs decide they’re the authority and could dictate to the rest of us how we should think and feel?” she asked. It’s clear that many people feel that companies like Woolworths have overstepped their bounds.
A Lesson Learned: Don’t Underestimate the Power of the Australian People
Nationals leader David Littleproud says that Woolworths has “learned the hard way” that Aussies don’t like being told what to do. “They’ve learned that they don’t set the moral compass of this country,” he said. It’s a valuable lesson for any company that thinks it can dictate how people should think and feel.
Not Just Woolworths: Other Companies Face Backlash Over Australia Day
Woolworths isn’t the only company to face backlash over its stance on Australia Day. Australian Venue Co (AVC), which operates over 200 pubs across the country, also faced public outrage after it announced that it would not celebrate Australia Day on January 26. The company later reversed its decision, acknowledging that its comments had caused “concern and confusion”.
A Sign of the Times: Aussies Have Had Enough
According to Prue MacSween, the backlash against Woolworths and other companies is a sign that Aussies have simply “had enough” of being told what to do. With cost of living pressures and other issues on their minds, people are no longer willing to listen to companies that try to dictate their values and priorities. “I think that now that everybody is really hurting, I don’t care how much money you earn or what position in life you have, you have to think before you spend a dime,” she said. It’s time for companies to listen up and take note: the Australian people will no longer be silenced.