Woolworths to stock Aussie flags just months after Australia Day controversy

Woolworths will now sell Australian flags after the supermarket giant boycotted Australia Day merchandise in January.

Woolworths will put Australian flags back on shelves, just months after the supermarket giant chose not to stock Australia Day merchandise.

Woolworths revealed it will make Aussie flags available to customers ahead of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

“With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games beginning later this month, and as a proud Australian retailer, we are pleased once again to be the official Fresh Food Partner of the Australian Olympic & Paralympic teams,” Woolworths said in a statement to staff.

“Given the Australian flag is the official flag of the Australian Olympic Committee and of our team competing in Paris, a locally made handheld Australian flag, made from long lasting materials such as timber and polyester, will also be available for customers to purchase across our Supermarkets and selected Metro stores.”

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said the move was a clear cash grab.

“They’ve finally found their patriotism,” she said on the Today show.

“What this really is the reason they’re stocking these flags is because they see a financial benefit. They’re sponsoring the Olympics. So the more eyeballs they get, the more people through the door.”

Woolworths has revealed it will stock Australian flags in celebration of the Paris Olympics. NCA NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Woolworths will now stock the flags all year round. Picture: Woolworths.

The move comes six months after Woolworths dumped all Australia Day merchandise from stores across the nation, sparking outrage from customers.

In the statement sent to stores across the country, Woolworths said it acknoaledges it “disappointed many” when it chose not to sell Australia Day merchandise in January.

“We have listened and accepted that, as a proud Australian retailer, that many in the community expected us to offer customers the choice of purchasing the nation’s flag when shopping with us,” the statement read.

Woolworths has announced it will also introduce a new "Green and Gold” bakery range ahead of Paris Olympics. Picture: Woolworths.

The range will include cupcakes and doughnuts, among other items. Picture: Woolworths.

At the time, a Woolworths Group spokesperson said a “gradual decline” in demand for the merchandise over the years and a “broader discussion” about the January 26 date and “what it means” to different parts of the community.

Woolworths has also revealed it will be releasing a limited edition range of “Green and Gold” bakery products as part of the store’s Olympics festivities.

The range will include yellow doughnuts with green sprinkles, green and gold cupcakes and a “smash cake”.

For every product purchase in the new bakery range, $1 will go towards supporting Paralympics Australia.

Originally published as Woolworths to stock Aussie flags just months after Australia Day controversy