Woolworths is called out over Australian flag backflip
Woolworths is to put Australian flags back on shelves, just months after the supermarket chain decided to stop selling Australia Day merchandise.
Woolworths has announced it will make Australian flags available to customers in preparation for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games getting underway later this month, as a proud Australian retailer we are once again delighted to be the Official Fresh Food Partner of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams,” Woolworths said in a statement to staff.
‘As the Australian flag is the official flag of the Australian Olympic Committee and our team competing in Paris, a locally produced Australian flag is also available, made from sustainable materials such as wood and polyester. Customers can purchase this flag in our supermarkets and selected Metro stores.’
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said the move was clearly a money-making scheme.
“They finally found their patriotism,” she said on the Today Show.
“The reason they stock these flags is because they see a financial benefit. They’re sponsoring the Olympics. So the more viewers they get, the more people come in.”
The move takes place six months later Woolworths has dumped all Australia Day items from stores across the countrywhich led to outrage from customers.
Woolworths to sell Australian flags for the Paris Olympics after the supermarket boycotted them for Australia Day
The flags are available all year round at Woolworths (stock image)
Woolworths said in a statement that the company acknowledged it “disappointed many” when it chose not to sell Australia Day items in January.
“We have listened and accepted that many people in the community, as a proud Australian retailer, expect us to offer customers the choice to purchase the country’s flag when they shop with us,” the statement said.
Woolworths has announced that it will also introduce a new ‘Green and Gold’ bakery range ahead of the Paris Olympics. Photo: Woolworths.
Woolworths will now stock the flags all year round. Photo: Woolworths.
A Woolworths Group spokesperson at the time said there had been a “gradual decline” in demand for the product over the years and a “wider discussion” about the January 26 date and “what it means” for different parts of the community.
Woolworths has also announced that it will be releasing a limited edition of ‘Green and Gold’ bakery products as part of the in-store Olympic celebrations.
The range includes yellow donuts with green sprinkles, green-gold cupcakes and a ‘smash cake’.
For every product purchased from the new bakery range, $1 will go towards supporting the Paralympics in Australia.