Another major retailer has announced that it won’t be recognising Australia Day, declaring that it is an “inclusive organisation”.
Pet retailer Petstock says it won’t be recognising Australia Day in its stores this Friday, joining the likes of Woolworths, Aldi, Tennis Australia and Cricket Australia in a growing corporate boycott of the national holiday.
Petstock announced the decision in a memo to staff, The Daily Telegraph reports.
“At the Petstock Group, we remain committed to being an inclusive organisation. It is at the heart of our mantra of People, Pets, Planet, that we show respect and make sure everyone who comes through our physical or digital doors feel like they belong,” it said.
“It is for this reason that we won’t be dressing up on Australia Day in our stores. As you connect with your team, friends and family over January, please show respect and take care of each other, and take a moment to listen, understand and cherish what it means to be Australian.”
Petstock has been contacted for comment.
It comes after Woolworths last week confirmed it would no longer be selling Australia Day merchandise, citing a “gradual decline” in sales”, with Big W and Aldi following suit.
Coles said it would continue to stock a range of Australia Day-themed merchandise.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton responded to Woolworths’ decision by calling for a boycott of the supermarket, accusing the company of peddling “woke agendas”.
Sporting codes have also jumped on the Australia Day boycott, with Cricket Australia confirming it would not use the term “Australia Day” when Australia plays the West Indies in Brisbane on Friday.
And Tennis Australia will not celebrate Australia Day at the Australian Open, after also snubbing the occasion in 2023 as a result of “differing views” about celebrating the public holiday.
Sky News host Steve Price slammed the decision.
“This started last year and ended Australia Day celebrations, they used to feature fireworks, the playing of the national anthem and special musical events to mark the day at the tennis,” Price said on Friday.
“So we have First Nations day, no drama from me about that, then the organisers have set aside a day for Australian Open Pride Day, an Australian Open All Abilities Day and an Australian Open Glam Slam for the LGBTI+ folk that will run across January 26 to 28. You can’t make this stuff up.”
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