A small discount store has become an unexpected focal point of a national debate as it defiantly embraces Australia Day merchandise.
Silly Solly’s in Tuggerah, on the NSW Central Coast, claims it has seen a surge in demand for patriotic gear as major Australian supermarkets shy away from Australia Day merchandise.
Owner Scott Burgess, known for his commitment to offering affordable products with nothing priced over $5, recently took to social media to showcase the store’s Australia Day merchandise.
The accompanying caption reflected Mr Burgess’s frustration with the increasing politicisation of the national day.
“Is this controversial now??? Can’t we just all get along!!!!” he posted.
Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia, Mr Burgess expressed his motivation for the display.
“We just want to celebrate Australia and not make it a political thing,” Mr Burgess stated.
While acknowledging differing opinions about January 26, he called for unity, urging people to find common ground.
“The majority of people will turn around and say no worries ‘give us a date,’ if we agree on that then let’s still have Australia Day so we can come together,” Mr Burgess declared.
He expressed his concern about the ongoing divisiveness in society and hoped for a day when Australians could unite despite their differences.
“The majority of people still love Australia Day,” Mr Burgess added.
The response to Silly Solly’s Facebook post has been overwhelmingly supportive, with customers expressing gratitude for the opportunity to purchase Australia Day merchandise.
“Bought all of mine last week, thank you for giving the option to buy. I’ll celebrate as I have always done from a child,” one satisfied customer wrote.
Another chimed in, “Not controversial to me, I’ll be down for my share,” while a third expressed gratitude, stating: “Thank you for supporting unity.”
Major supermarket chains Aldi and Woolworths have opted not to sell Australia Day merchandise this year, citing declining demand and broader discussions about the significance of January 26.
Aldi’s decision follows in the footsteps of Woolworths, the largest supermarket chain in Australia, and its subsidiary, Big W.
In response to Woolworths’ move, Opposition leader Peter Dutton urged a public boycott of the chain, criticising the decision as lacking “common sense.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refrained from endorsing a boycott but emphasised his focus on ensuring supermarkets act responsibly towards their customers.
“It’s a day on which we can give respect to First Nations people and acknowledge that it’s a difficult day for them, but it’s also a day on which we can reflect on what it means to be an Australian and how we can make the greatest country on Earth even better in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Coles has chosen to continue offering a limited range of Australian-themed summer entertaining merchandise throughout January, including the Australia Day weekend.
A spokesperson affirmed that the products remain popular among customers for various events, albeit in a “small” batch.