‘Wokesworth’: South Australian supermarket chain’s savage Australia Day post

The director of an Aussie supermarket giant has lashed out at the retailer’s “woke” rivals for ditching Australia Day merchandise.

John-Paul Drake, director of Drakes Supermarkets, has fired shots at rivals Woolworths and Aldi over Australia Day.

The director of a major supermarket chain has lashed out at the retailer’s “woke” rivals for moving away from stocking Australia Day merchandise.

John-Paul Drake, director of family-owned Drakes Supermarkets, fired a not-so-subtle shot at rivals Woolworths and Aldi in a fiery rant on social media this week.

The blow-up came after the independent grocery retailer, which has 66 stores across South Australia and Queensland, released its latest catalogue promoting Australia Day.

The catalogue featured a page dedicated to “ingredients for Australia Day” complete with car flags, themed bunting and napkins and discounted party pies.

Mr Drake said his objection to “wokeworths” was about “choice”.

Mr Drake’s social media post about the debate around selling Australia Day merchandise.

He it was ‘OK’ for people to disagree.

“Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not is totally up to you,” he wrote in an Instagram post, which has sparked hundreds of mostly supportive comments.

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

“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.”

John-Paul Drake. Picture Dean Martin

Forecasting opposition to his move, Mr Drake added: “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.”

Romeos is also selling Australia Day merchandise. Picture: Facebook

The Advertiser reports Romeo’s Retail Group, another retailer, posted an image of a range of its Australia Day merchandise online.

The post showed Australian-themed flags, plates and napkins in its stores.

Romeo’s post included a man holding two flags, emblazoned with the words “Aussie Aussie Aussie”, and a straw hat with “Australia” on it.

Woolworths surprised the nation last week when it confirmed it would no longer be selling Australia Day merchandise ahead of the public holiday with Big W and Aldi following suit.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was quick off the mark to demand shoppers boycott the supermarket giant of its decision, which Woolworths says was made due to a “gradual decline” in sales.

Coles confirmed it would continue to stock a range of Australia-themed merchandise in the lead up to the day.

However, multiple stores appear to be selling only a small amount of the stock.