Local retailers are stocking Australia Day products despite the decision by Woolworths and Aldi to not sell products this year.

Woolworths were the first to declare they would not stock any Australia Day products apart from the Aussie flag this week due to lower demand and what it means to different parts of the community. Aldi quickly followed suit.

The decisions were met with a barrage of comments from both camps, some saying it is 'un-Australian' and they will be boycotting the store while others support the decision due to January 26 also known as Invasion Day for indigenous Australians.

Federal MP for Page Kevin Hogan said on his Facebook page:

I AM BOYCOTTING WOOLWORTHS. Woolworths confirmed that no Australia Day merchandise would be sold in its supermarkets this year. If Woolies isn’t into Australia Day, I am not into them. They should be trying to lower their prices not making political statements.

We have some great independent grocers and other options in our community. That’s where I will be shopping.

Typical of the comments flowing through:

What an appalling decision by this company. They have lost me and my family. If they can't be proud of this country then they should move elsewhere.

I feel inclined to fill my trolley to the brim, take it to the checkout and abandon it. Then repeat.

While others said:

I love Woolworths and will support them forever because of this decision

I went right out of my way to shop at ALDI today for this very reason

Other comments have said the products are only cheap Chinese-made items so it doesn't matter.

If you can't celebrate Australia Day without buying some cheap Chinese-made crap well I'm sorry but your not the Aussie you think you are.

(Australia products on sale in Lismore)

State MP for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, "There seems to be a lot of words and energy about what they sell (Woolworths and Aldi), I am more worried about what prices they charge and the effect it has on farmers. This is more about local farmers and prices at the supermarket, it's just price gauging."

Coles has said they will still be stocking a small range of Australian-themed summer entertaining merchandise throughout January which is popular with sporting events like cricket and tennis as well as the Australia Day weekend.

Local discount shops like Silly Solly's, The Reject Shop, Heaps at the Square and Just Crazy Bargains all sell Australia Day products.

Daniel Soca franchisee at Silly Solly's said they have a small section this year.

"We didn't see a big buy last year, in our first year. We will see how the community responds to it this year."

With two weeks until Australia Day 2024, we can be assured the debate will continue.