The huge problem with Australia Day merchandise that many are ignoring after Woolworths dumped the products
Australians have exposed a major problem with many of the goods sold for our national holiday: the fact that they are largely made in China.
There is discussion about buying Australia Day themed items and outfits for January 26, after major retailers such as Woolworths, Kmart and Aldi all announced they would not be stocking merchandise.
Those still eager to celebrate the holiday have complained that they couldn’t find items that were actually made on home soil.
“Love my Australia Day merchandise which is all made in China,” said one person on Facebook.
Australia Day items on sale at a Silly Solly’s store in Deception Bay, south-east Queensland. Australians have complained that much of Australia Day merchandise sold in various stores is made in China
“Show your Australianness by paying full price for Chinese-made items that you can get for 49 cents on request,” another joked.
“Chinese people should laugh at us, we can’t even make our own merchandise for our national holiday,” said another.
‘Chinese made Australia Day merchandise. Nothing says Australia better than flags of convenience to show your patriotism,” one person wrote.
A Coles shopper shared photos of some of the Australia Day themed items on offer in the supermarket this week.
Australians are wondering why people buy stuff that isn’t made on home soil
Although they were all designed in Australia, their labels showed they were made overseas.
A pair of blue thongs were made in China, a ‘G’day mate’ shirt was made in Bangladesh, and an Australian flag attached to cars was also made in China.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Coles for comment.
It comes after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called on Australians to boycott Woolworths after announcing they would not sell items associated with Australia Day.
Mr Dutton said that while it is up to customers to go to stores and buy merchandise, “I think people should boycott Woolworths.”
A Coles shopper shared a photo of a ‘G’day mate’ t-shirt he saw at Coles that was made in Bangladesh
An Australia Day themed bucket hat is designed in Australia, but made in China
“Until we get the common sense out of a company like Woolworths, I don’t think they should be supported by the public,” Dutton said.
Celebrating Australia Day has become a divisive issue in recent years, especially among younger generations.
A growing number of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians regard January 26 – the day the first fleet of British ships landed – as Invasion Day.