Pro-cash advocates are calling on all Australians to boycott Woolworths and Coles supermarkets nationally on Saturday, May 4.
The Call Out Cashless Businesses Facebook group is leading the national movement that encourages consumers to avoid shopping at the supermarket giants.
The “Cash is King” supporters have taken aim at Woolworths and Coles over recent changes to cash-out policies and their decision to put more card only self-serve registers in stores.
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In a flyer that’s been widely circulated on social media, the group — which has more than 55,000 members — singled out Coles and Woolworths in the 24-hour strike.
“Avoid both stores on the 4th of May, 2024,” it reads.
“Give them NO transactions at all. Support family business instead.
“May the 4th be with you …”
7NEWS.com.au understands that both Coles and Woolworths accept cash at all their stores and have no plans to go cashless.
In response to the national boycott, one pro-cash supporter called on shoppers to steer clear of even more stores on the national day of action.
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t boycott all majors: ALDI, BigW, Kmart, Coles, Woollies, IKEA, [Harvey] Normal, Amazon etc and only buy from the independent guys, the small business independent holder,” she added.
The movement has attracted widespread support on social media, with many saying they’d be avoiding Coles and Woolies on May 4.
“I agree, small businesses are really struggling at the moment and what we should really be putting our money into. Otherwise they die out and the giants have even more power,” said one.
Another added: “ThIs is happening world wide. The elites don’t want you to use cash.”
A third wrote: “Boycott as much as possible for sure.”
Added one more: “You should be already doing this! Bit late to the party but better late than never.”
Another said: “Cash is legal tender, and it’s illegal to refuse it’s use.”
Some social media users, however, have pointed out that many have no choice but to shop at major retailers.
“Because they all employ Australians and to me that’s what is more important,”one argued. “Keeping Aussies employed. Imagine the ripple effect if no-one shopped at these big retailers. Truck drivers, suppliers etc.”
Another said: “Because it’s simply not affordable for most people.”