Coles’ Australia Day announcement amid fierce Woolies backlash

Woolworths sparked uproar after revealing it was axing Australia Day merch in its stores – but now Coles has made a huge announcement.

Coles has announced it will stock a variety of Australia Day merchandise amid backlash to a rival supermarket ditching the controversial products.

Woolworths confirmed on Wednesday that no additional Australia Day-themed merch would be sold in its supermarkets or Big W stores for this year’s public holiday.

The retail giant cited a “gradual decline” in demand for the products in recent years due to “broader discussion” about the January 26 date and “what it means” to different parts of the community.

Response to the move was divided, with some commending Woolies, as others accused the store of being “woke”.

However, Coles has since issued an update on the status of its “summer entertaining” products, telling news.com.au that customers who wish to participate in the public holiday can buy themed items in its stores nationwide.

Coles has confirmed it is selling Australia Day merchandise in stores. Picture: Supplied

“We are stocking a small range of Australian-themed summer entertaining merchandise throughout January which is popular with our customers for sporting events such as the cricket and tennis, as well as for the Australia Day weekend,” the spokesperson said.

The decision by Woolworths follows a campaign in recent years to change the January 26 date of Australia Day, which commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney.

Indigenous groups often refer to January 26 as Invasion Day, signifying their belief that the arrival of colonisation on Australian shores also accompanied the deaths and oppression of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Woolworths announced yesterday it had axed products that celebrate the controversial public holiday. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The supermarket cited a gradual decline in demand for merch. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Discussion around the topic has been heated, with thousands of news.com.au readers sharing their thoughts on Facebook in the past 24 hours.

“There hasn’t been a shift away there has been a concerted effort to make Australians feel guilty about being proud to be Australian,” one claimed.

“Australia Day should be recognised. It may be difficult for some but Australia is made up of a multicultural society and we allow all those cultures to celebrate their own special and spiritual days so why not celebrate Australia,” another posted.

Woolies has been widely criticised for the decision. Picture: Supplied

As one stated: “Coles looks really good, right now! 26th is our day, for ALL Australians!!”

“Not to offend anyone on Australia Day? Then get rid of the Hot Cross Buns and Easter eggs. They’re ‘offensive’ to some too,” someone else raged.

However, there was support for Woolworths, stating it’s “not hard to pick a different date to celebrate” on.

The change the date movement calls not for Australia Day to be cancelled, but instead moved to a date that isn’t linked to a historical incident that trigger anger, trauma and grief for many Indigenous Australians.

However, an alternative date has yet to have been decided.