Valentine’s Day has traditionally been a season ‘owned’ by newsagents, card shops, chocolate shops and florists. Sure it’s commercial. But it’s also about love and romance. I was surprised to see that the government owned Australia Post is getting in on Valentine’s Day with a promotion. The details are on their website. While there’s no law against it, I don’t need the Federal Government muscling in on a promotion previously owned mainly by independently owned small businesses like mine.
The other aspect of this promotion which irks me is that it is in conjunction with That’s Life magazine. Australia Post does not sell That’s Life in its corporate stores. Magazines are only sold in newsagencies which are Licenced Post Offices. So what gives? I know Australia Post wants magazines for its stores. Is this indicative of a move in that direction or am I jumping at shadows? regardless, I don’t see how Australia Post can justify this activity in the context of the Act under which they operate.