Kmart Australia’s Facebook page has been inundated with angry social media users venting about the lack of Australia Day merchandise that’s currently available at Kmart.
And, these customers haven’t just come across sold-out shelves – Kmart made a conscious decision to avoid selling Australia Day merchandise this year in an act to be respectful to indigenous people.
“We respect that January 26 means different things to different people and we aim to foster an environment that is inclusive and respectful of both our customers and teams,” A Kmart spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
“It is for this reason that we will also be giving all of our team members the choice of whether or not they work that day, with the option to substitute for another day.”
Australia Day is officially celebrated on January 26th, however, that date marks the day that Sir Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Warrane (Sydney Cove) to claim the land as a British Colony. Which means it marks the day that the British Colony laid claim to the land that belonged to the Aboriginals.
Regardless, many Australians are pissed that their local Kmart isn’t stocking any Australia-flagged branded merch.
“I have just learnt Kmart no longer sells Australia day merchandise for Australia day celebrations in Australia. I find this highly offensive as an Australian. Shame on you Kmart,” one user wrote.
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Another penned, “I will never, ever shop at KMart! So un-Australian! Australia Day is 26th January, whether you like it or not! Virtue-signalling ninnies! Shame on you and all those who want to do away with our national pride!”
A third commented, “don’t be bringing anything home from these woke flogs.”
However, while in the minority, some users said they appreciated Kmart for taking a stance against Australia Day.
“Well done Kmart – it’s not a date to celebrate,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “Thank you for standing with Traditional Owners of this land.”
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