Outrage as Singles Day sales clash with Remembrance Day
Some Australians have slammed major retailers for running Singles Day sales on Remembrance Day, with veterans and families calling for respect over profits.
A day that should be used to honour and remember fallen soldiers has been turned into a marketing ploy for large companies to make a pretty profit.
November 11 is an internationally-recognised memorial day during which the families and friends of veterans who served in the armed forces in the First World War come together to honour their service and sacrifices, but some Australians are abandoning the tradition and adopting a new, more commercialised one.
Singles Day, a Chinese-originating sales event, is celebrated every year on November 11 (11/11) encouraging single people to treat and celebrate themselves the same way couples do on Valentines Day and has grown in popularity across Australian retailers in recent years.
The date 11/11 was chosen because the four ones put together resembles bare sticks, Chinese slang for being single.
Among the retailers offering Singles Day deals are Amazon, Adidas, David Jones, Victorias Secret and Clinique.
Amazon Australia is offering its customers a “special 11/11 treat” with “$11 off your Amazon haul order” while David Jones is offering an 11 per cent discount on select beauty products with a minimum spend of $250.
Adidas is offering its customers a further 40 per cent off outlet items, Victorias Secret has a buy-two-get-one-free deal and you can pick up a free three-piece gift set from Clinique when you spend more than $100.
A survey of people in the Bundaberg CBD on Tuesday revealed the older generations’ distaste towards companies’ commercial promotions timed to coincide with the day.
Bundaberg woman “Mumsey” said she did not think companies should be allowed to do it.
Brisbane visitor “Janet” said she was in a cafe when the minute’s silence started.
“No one else stood up,” she said.
“They don’t care anymore.
“It’s a special time, there’s bloody sales all the time.”
Select retailers were contacted for comment.
David Jones said in the lead-up to Singles Day, activity was focused on Chinese social channels to engage those who celebrate the occasion and marketing and communications were considered to ensure sensitivity with commemorative activities.
They said no portion of the proceeds made on the day goes to veteran charities when questioned about it.
Despite this, an overwhelming rally of red poppies, wreaths and frocks dominated Bundaberg’s Anzac Park for the 11am Remembrance Day service on Tuesday.
Men stood tall among each other, proudly adorning service medals across their chests, telling tales of the olden days and school children showed their support, learning how lucky they are to live in the world they do today.
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