Retailer Kmart plans to withdraw its application to trade before 1pm on Anzac Day in NSW after the proposal sparked outrage across the country.
Kmart managing director Guy Russo apologised for the companies decision to apply to trade during Anzac Day marches after receiving an overwhelming number of complaints and intense criticism from customers, politicians and former diggers.
“Having listened to the strength of feeling from our customers and the broader community I will withdraw Kmart’s application for early trading on Anzac Day,” Mr Russo said in a statement on yesterday.
“I got this one wrong and on behalf of Kmart, I apologise to the RSL, retired and current members of the Australian Defence Force and the wider community for any offence that this application has caused.”
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said Kmart was totally out of step with the rest of the community with its initial aplication.
“Anzac Day is a time when all Australians come together to remember our fallen war heroes,”
“That is why NSW has introduced tough laws to restrict trading on days like Anzac Day.”
