Coles and Woolworths to break strict Anzac Day tradition

Coles and Woolworths will break with tradition and open stores early in some Australian states this Anzac Day.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Australians will be commemorating Anzac Day a little differently this Saturday.

To ensure staff and customers are able to maintain social distancing measures in stores, Coles and Woolworths in NSW and the ACT will be opening at 9am this year.

Coles will stay open until 8pm on Saturday, while Woolies will close at 6pm.

It is believed to be the first year that the stores will be opening before midday.

In a statement to Yahoo News Australia, a Coles spokesperson said the company was “grateful” the state governments had provided exemptions on trading hours on pubic holidays, to allow social distancing to be maintained while shopping, due to customers having more options on what time they shop.

“We work closely with government health authorities on the best measures to keep customers and our team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the spokesperson said.

“Their continued advice is that social distancing remains an important measure to reduce the rate of transmission in the community.”

A Woolworths spokesperson said the revised trading hours in NSW and ACT stores this Anzac Day are also to ensure staff members and customers can maintain social distancing while shopping.

“Our decision to open earlier on Anzac Day in NSW and ACT was made after consultation with our long term partner the RSL,” the Woolworths spokesperson said.

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While the supermarkets will open at 9am, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and Liquor Market, which all fall under the Coles umbrella will not open until 1pm, except for the ACT’s Chisholm Liquorland, which will open at 12pm.

In other states opening times will differ this Anzac Day, but most will not open until after midday.

Profits from Coles biscuits to go to veteran’s charity

This year, Coles has partnered with the Bravery Trust, an organisation which provides financial support to more than 800 veterans every year, helping out with medical fees, food vouchers, energy bills and education costs.

Until close of business on Sunday, 50 cents from every pack of Coles Bakery cookies or biscuits will be donated to the Bravery Trust.

“The COVID-19 health emergency has seen a rapid increase in the demand for our services,” Bravery Trust CEO Belinda Wilson said in a statement.

“Throughout this pandemic we must not forget those who have been injured or have an illness as a result of their service to our country and, for circumstances out of their control, are unable to put food on the table, or pay their rent or bills.

“We help those veterans who are falling through the gaps.”

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Customers at Coles can also make their own donations in-store at the checkout.

Woolworths will also continue their RSL Anzac Appeal by selling commemorative pins at the customer service desk, nationwide.

“Customers can also continue to donate directly to the RSL Anzac Appeal at any register or when shopping online,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

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