Woolworths to sell Australian flags for Paris Olympics after Australia Day boycott

Woolworths will sell Australian flags for the Paris Olympics after the supermarket boycotted them for Australia Day.

Woolworths released a statement on Monday revealing the flags would be available for purchase. 

'With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games beginning later this month, and as a proud Australian retailer, we are pleased once again to be the official Fresh Food Partner of the Australian Olympic & Paralympic teams,' it read.

Woolworths revealed customers would also be able to purchase a 'locally made hand-held Australian flag' made from timber and polyester. 

The flags will be available to customers all year round.

'Once available in store the locally made hand-held flag will be available to purchase all year round from the general merchandise section and also online,' the statement read.

'Locally made hand-held Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will be available for purchase later this year. These flags will also be available all year round.'

The move comes after the supermarket giant chose not to sell the flags and any items related to January 26 celebrations earlier this year. 

The company said in a statement at the time that demand for Australia Day merchandise has declined over the years. 

'At the same time there's been broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community,' they said. 

Aussies slammed the controversial decision as 'un-Australian' and drew widespread condemnation. 

Peter Dutton joined in on the pile on and urged Aussies to boycott Woolworths and said shoppers should 'take their business elsewhere'.

'It's up to customers whether they want to go in and buy the product or not...I think people should boycott Woolworths,' Mr Dutton told 2GB. 

Former Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci defended the decision not to stock Australia Day Merchandise. 

Mr Banducci said the supermarket was focused on helping customers save money when they buy groceries at their stores. 

'We all make different decisions on what to stock...we're focused on providing great value on everyday needs so you can mark [Australia Day],' he said. 

Woolworths has taken a massive hit to its reputation as a result of the intense scrutiny over the decision. 

The company, which was once ranked the 7th most reputable brand in Australia, is now ranked 42 according to leading corporate reputation management firm RepTrack. 

The ongoing cost of living crisis has also done little to stem the blow to the perception the company currently has among shoppers.