Woolworths has announced it will sell selected Australia Day merchandise in 2025, reversing its decision from the previous year. In 2024, the supermarket chain decided to stop selling items related to Australia Day, also known as Invasion Day, after noticing a drop in customer demand. But now, the company says it has listened to feedback and will offer products that celebrate the day.
A Woolworths spokesperson said they would focus on “great Australian food” for the day in their supermarkets. They also mentioned that BIG W stores would offer items for gatherings, like family and friends coming together over the long weekend. Aussie-made flags will be available, and a wider range of Australia Day merchandise will be sold online.
The decision comes after controversy in 2024, when Woolworths faced backlash from some customers, including opposition leader Peter Dutton, who called for a boycott. Other retailers like Aldi and Kmart have not announced plans to sell Australia Day items this year, but Coles will continue selling summer products for BBQs and gatherings throughout January.
Calls to change the date of Australia Day, which marks the arrival of British settlers in 1788, have been ongoing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously rejected these calls. Meanwhile, Woolworths says it will respect everyone’s choice in how they observe the day, following the National Australia Day Council’s theme of “reflect, respect and celebrate.”
