Woolies denies ‘cancelling’ Australia Day in PR reset

Woolworths has sought to downplay accusations the supermarket giant is looking to ‘cancel’ Australia Day, declaring it had been a commercial decision.

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci.

Woolworths has sought to downplay accusations it is looking to “cancel” Australia Day, saying it had been a commercial decision not to stock merchandise commemorating the day.

In a bid to reset customers’ perceptions of the grocery chain’s actions ahead of Friday’s public holiday, Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci said the decision not to stock Australia Day merchandise was based on declining sales rather than ideology.

He said in an open letter to customers that the mostly overseas imported merchandise had to be ordered 12 months in advance and the chain was instead focused on “providing the best of Australian fresh food”.

The appeal to patriotism comes after Peter Dutton earlier this month called on Australians to boycott Woolworths for taking a “political position” to oppose Australia Day.

“The decision to stock this mostly imported merchandise has to be made almost 12 months in advance,” Mr Banducci said in the letter. “As a business decision, it doesn’t make commercial sense.

“Rather than stocking imported Australian-themed merchandise, Woolworths is focused on what we do best 365 days of the year – providing the best of Australian fresh food for Australia Day long weekend gatherings with family and friends, and working hard to ensure we deliver great value.”

Woolworths stores have stopped selling Australia Day merchandise. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Pet supply chain Petstock became the latest retailer to announce its opposition to Australia Day on Tuesday, saying its staff won’t be “dressing up” its stores to celebrate. “Australia Day, 26 January, means different things to each of us depending on who we are, where we come from, and how we came to be Australian,” a spokeswoman said. “On 26 January, we won’t be dressing up our stores, but encourage our team members to celebrate respectfully, with consideration to all our team members and customers from all nations.”

Aldi has also announced it won’t be stocking Australia Day merchandise.

The Albanese government and business leaders have criticised the Opposition Leader’s call to boycott Woolworths, accusing him of attempting to start a culture war and putting the jobs of 200,000 Australians at risk.

Anthony Albanese said Mr Dutton was looking to divide the nation with an “us versus them” approach.

“Australians when they go to the supermarket, you know what they’re concerned about? The price at the checkout, not what’s on a shelf or not due to whatever considerations,” the Prime Minister told Sky News on Monday.