Major supermarket director slams "woke" rivals' Australia Day boycott
John-Paul Drake, director of family-owned Drakes Supermarkets, has slammed rival supermarkets for moving away from stocking Australia Day merchandise.
The fiery rant posted on social media came after the independent grocery retailer, which has 66 stores across South Australia and Queensland, shared their latest catalogue promoting Australia Day.
The supermarket director said that his objection to “wokeworths” was about “choice”.
“Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not is totally up to you,” he wrote.
“As a retailer, it’s my responsibility to let my customers choose if a product is suitable for them.
“Just because you’re lactose-intolerant, does that mean I shouldn’t sell dairy products in store? How would you feel if I told you I didn’t like chocolate so we’ll no longer be selling it?
“I agree that there is a broader discussion to be had around the date we celebrate our country," he added.
“But until that date is changed, I will choose to gather with my friends and family and celebrate how bloody lucky we are that we live in a country where we can choose to have these kinds of debates.”
He added that he understands some "may not agree with me, and that's ok."
“Some of you may choose to boycott our stores – and I respect your right to choose where you spend your money,” he wrote.
“I do ask, however, that you respect my team if you do enter our stores. They do not deserve to cop abuse for my values.”
This comes after Woolworths confirmed that it would no longer be selling Australia day merchandise last week, with Big W and Aldi following suit.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was quick to call for a boycott against the supermarket giant, for their "woke agenda".
Coles, on the other hand, confirmed that they will continue to sell a small-range of Australia Day themed products for those who wish to celebrate the day.
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