That wasn't the reason, I don't know what you think the real reason was, or why they needed an excuse to cover for it, but their CEO said ..........
Banducci clarified the decision was based on declining sales of such merchandise.
The decision to stock this mostly imported merchandise has to be made almost 12 months in advance, and it was deemed not commercially viable.
“In terms of merchandising – our commercial decision to not stock specific Australian Day general merchandise was made on the basis of steeply declining sales. The decision to stock this mostly imported merchandise has to be made almost 12 months in advance. So as a business decision, it doesn’t make commercial sense,” Banducci explained.
Woolworths CEO, Brad Banducci, has responded to the backlash following the company's decision not to stock specific Australia Day themed merchandise in the lead-up to 26 January 2024, stating it was not an attempt at cancelling the annual day.
ami.org.au
Although it really does sound suss that a retailer wouldn't want to stock shit that wasn't selling. I mean who does that?