War veterans have chastised an application by Kmart to open its stores before 1pm on Anzac Day, with some RSL’s threatening a boycott of the company.
In an application to the State Government, Kmart, said there was “a desire within the community to see our stores open before 1pm on Anzac Day”. The company has also applied to be able to trade on Easter Sunday and Boxing Day over the next three years,
“I remember when the shops were closed over Christmas and Easter and we didn’t have late night shopping. The world didn’t come to an end and no one starved to death; we got along just fine,” said Ipswich RSL Sub-branch president Phil Gilbert.
“This submission is opportunistic and only benefits Kmart’s bottom line and its shareholders. I can’t see any other reason for it.”
In responding to the request the Cairns RSL sub-branch president Peter Turner supported a boycott.
“I certainly would,” he said. “It’s going against what Anzac Day stands for and is a grab for cash.”
NSW premier Kristina Keneally said she believes Kmart is not in tune with community attitudes towards Anzac Day.
“All applications received so far for Anzac Day this year have been refused and Kmart will receive no special treatment,” she said.
