Woolworths Group will not be stocking Australia Day merchandise across Big W or Woolworths stores.
While Australian flags will be available to purchase at Big W all year round, additional merchandise for the public holiday has been phased out.
“There has been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores over recent years,” a Woolworths Group spokesperson told Ragtrader. “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.”
Woolworths' marketplace subsidiary My Deal will continue to sell some Australian themed products online through third party sellers.
The group also responded to media reports last year that its office teams were given the choice to not work on Australia Day.
As has been the case for many years, Woolworths Group reported that all its retail teams continue to have the choice to work on the day if they are rostered on, as is the policy for all public holidays.
All other teams in support offices will take the public holiday.