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B&T > Marketing > Why Are Brands Really Distancing Themselves From Australia Day?
Marketing

Why Are Brands Really Distancing Themselves From Australia Day?

Staff Writers
Published on: 25th January 2024 at 10:14 AM
Staff Writers
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More brands are distancing themselves from contentious dates like January 26, but marketing experts from RMIT say these brands remain quiet on their social alliances to avoid backlash.

Dr Daniel Rayne, lecturer of marketing at RMIT said: “The debate as to whether brands should be social beacons or not, has again come to light as Woolworths, K-Mart and Aldi have decided against stocking Australia Day merchandise.

“Brands are increasingly using contemporary sociopolitical issues as a marketing tool to stand out from the crowd.

“Normally, when brands adopt an activism strategy, they put their social support front and centre, however, perhaps driven by fear of isolating the market, big retailers have adopted a business decision focus first.

“Woolworths have adopted this ‘activism without activism’ approach, which signals how the ways brands engage in activism are constantly expanding and evolving.

“Putting business interests ahead of a firm social position, makes their activism approach more palatable for shareholders.”

Dr Amanda Spry, RMIT’s senior lecturer of marketing, added:  “By their own admission, Woolworths position on not stocking Australia Day merchandise has a social component to it, why is this secondary?

“As consumers become more familiar with brand initiatives that have a social edge, they are able to reconcile both profit-making and social motives.

“By Woolworths publicly stating this, they are perhaps making it easier for consumers to interpret their strategy.

“The timing of such comments by Woolworths is unlikely a coincidence as pressure concerning their price gouging heats up.

“This move away from stocking Australia Day merchandise, even if temporarily, changes the discourse around the brand.

“The negativity surrounding previous attempts to show brand support to First Nations People have perhaps resulted in Woolworths adopting a new approach to their support.

“Brands will often call on social initiatives as a deflection mechanism for current and future malpractice.”

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TAGGED: Australia Day, RMIT, Woolworths
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Staff Writers
By Staff Writers
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Staff Writers represent B&T's team of award-winning reporters. Here, you'll find articles crafted with industry experience spanning over 50 years. Our team of specialists brings together a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to delivering insightful, topical, and breaking news. With a deep understanding of advertising and media, our Staff Writers are dedicated to providing industry-leading analysis and reporting, both shaping the conversation and setting the benchmark for excellence.

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