Woolworths Group has confirmed neither Woolworths nor Big W will be selling additional Australia Day themed merchandise this year.

The decision comes in response to a gradual decline in demand for such products, and amid growing cultural dissentiation about the inclusivity of the national public holiday on 26 January.

Mi3 Australia understands ALDI will also not be offering any Australia themed Special Buys in January to coincide with the Australia Day public holiday. Other January Special Buys will cover items arguably more seasonally driven, such as fitness trackers, slow juicers, anti-snore pillows, cordless vacuums and automatic pool cleaners. 

However, third-party seller marketplace MyDeal, which Woolworths acquired in 2022, will continue to sell some Australian themed products this month.

"While Australian flags are sold within BIG W all year round, we don't have any additional themed merchandise available to purchase in-store in our Supermarkets or BIG W ahead of Australia Day," a Woolworths spokesperson stated. "There has been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores over recent years. At the same time there's been broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community.

"We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.

"Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of Australia every day, and we're proud to support the farmers, producers, and suppliers who work with us."

By contrast, Coles is maintaining a small range of Australian themed merchandise this month.

"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," a Coles spokesperson said.

Last year, Kmart made a similar decision to Woolworths and Big W, choosing not to stock Australia Day merchandise. At the time, the company stated the decision was about 'being respectful and inclusive to all.'