UPDATE: In a shocking twist following the recent Bondi Beach terrorist attack, two online retailers are facing backlash for attempting to profit from the tragedy. The store Isla and James, reportedly created just days after the December 14 attack, launched a clearance sale claiming to be closing due to the “Bondi Beach tragedy.”
The Australian online store, which has no local presence and ships items from Asia, falsely claimed that one of its founders was shot during the attack. The store’s ability to process orders was suspended by Shopify on Thursday after authorities flagged its suspicious activities.
Michele Goldman, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, condemned the actions, stating it is “abhorrent” to exploit the grief of Australians grappling with the aftermath of the worst terror attack in the nation’s history.
In a statement on their website, Isla and James wrote, “During the Bondi Beach shooting, James was shot. In seconds, the life we were building collapsed.” The store framed its clearance sale as a final act of closure, but critics argue it is a manipulative cash grab.
Local MP Monique Ryan, whose district includes Bondi, added her outrage, calling the actions “disgusting” and emphasizing the genuine heroes and victims of the tragedy. “Seeing others exploit the tragedy like this is appalling,” she remarked.
Isla and James is not the only retailer under scrutiny. Another store, Bondi United, has also come under fire for selling commemorative merchandise while soliciting funds under the guise of supporting victims’ families. However, its terms of service grant the company “full discretion” over how funds are allocated.
Bondi United claimed on its site, “The shirts we make are acts of remembrance. They’re not products… they are a way to say: this happened, these lives mattered.” Yet, the store has also faced scrutiny for its lack of transparency, with an email stating it is not a registered charity and does not guarantee that proceeds will be donated.
As these stories break, many in the community are expressing their anger and disbelief over the exploitation of this tragedy. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies continues to urge the public to redirect their support to legitimate victims and local businesses that provided aid during the attack.
The situation remains fluid as authorities investigate these retailers’ practices, and consumers are reminded to approach such online claims with caution. The community’s response highlights the resilience and compassion amid grief, urging genuine support for those truly affected by the Bondi Beach attack.
As investigations continue, the focus is on holding these opportunistic businesses accountable and ensuring that genuine support reaches the victims and their families. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
