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Drakes Supermarkets doubles down on Australia Day stock saying shoppers can make their own mind up

As debate rages over Woolworths’ Australia Day snub, SA supermarket chains Drakes and Romeo’s are showing Aussie pride in the flag. Join the debate and vote in our poll.

South Australian supermarket chains are flying the flag for Australia Day, selling merchandise despite a snub by bigger rivals.

Drakes Supermarkets’ latest catalogue promotes “ingredients for Australia Day” including napkins and triangle bunting for $2 each, while a 108cm x 54cm Australian flag costs $3.

In a whack at Woolworths, which along with Aldi is not stocking Australia Day merchandise, Drakes Supermarkets director John-Paul Drake says his objection to “Wokeworths” is “about choice”.

Drakes Supermarket director John-Paul Drake. Picture Dean Martin
Drakes Supermarket director John-Paul Drake. Picture Dean Martin

“Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not is totally up to you,” he says in an Instagram post, which has sparked hundreds of comments, with most supporting his position.

“As a retailer, it’s my responsibility to let my customers choose if a product is suitable for them,” he says.

“Just because you’re lactose-intolerant, does that mean I shouldn’t sell dairy products in store? How would you feel if I told you I didn’t like chocolate so we’ll no longer be selling it?

“I agree that there is a broader discussion to be had around the date we celebrate our country.

“But until that date is changed, I will choose to gather with my friends and family and celebrate how bloody lucky we are that we live in a country where we can choose to have these kinds of debates.”

Mr Drake posted to Social Media about the debate around selling Australia Day merchandise in stores.
Mr Drake posted to Social Media about the debate around selling Australia Day merchandise in stores.
Mr Drake says he respects people’s right to boycott his stores if they disagree with his choice but asks people not to abuse his staff.
Mr Drake says he respects people’s right to boycott his stores if they disagree with his choice but asks people not to abuse his staff.

Mr Drake says in the post that while some may not agree with his view, “that’s OK”.

“Some of you may choose to boycott our stores – and I respect your right to choose where you spend your money,” he says.

“I do ask, however, that you respect my team if you do enter our stores.

“They do not deserve to cop abuse for my values.”

Woolworths this month announced it would not stock Australian Day items this year, citing a lack of demand for the products along with a “broader discussion” about what the day meant to people. Aldi then followed suit.

The supermarket giants’ moves came in the wake of a sustained movement against Australia Day, including 81 councils that have refused to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26. The move sparked boycott calls from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

Romeo’s Retail Group has posted online an image of a range of its Australia Day merchandise, showing that it, too, was rejecting the position taken by Woolworths and Aldi.

Its January 20 post showed Australian flags were on sale in its stores, along with flag-printed plates and napkins.

The Romeo’s post included a man holding two “Aussie Aussie Aussie” flags and a straw hat with “Australia” on a band. The hats are also for sale.

Romeo’s and Foodland Group did not respond when contacted for comment.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/drakes-supermarkets-doubles-down-on-australia-day-stock/news-story/afe3a94e2433f7527518e99b30ed01fb