Countdown could face considerable public back-lash by choosing to keep a controversial magazine on its supermarket shelves.

Progressive Enterprises has decided Zoo Weekly will continue to be available in their stores despite outrage from Woman's rights advocates about its inappropriate content.

The University of Auckland's senior marketing lecturer, Dr Bodo Lang said in the consumer-led digital marketplace that we currently live in, consumers are likely to quickly indicate how big of a mistake this really was.

"This is one of those opportunities where customers can start campaigning for this sort of issue, and there are many products that have basically changed or have been heavily impacted by customer backlash, and this could be one of those stories."

Dr Land said they'll live to regret the decision in the consumer-led digital marketplace of today.

"This could have been a really nice opportunity to position themselves at the forefront of such issues and to be seen as the responsible corporate social citizen, but they haven't done that."

NZ First wants New Zealand to follow the move of Australian campaigners who had ZOO Weekly removed from supermarket shelves.

Director Bob McCoskrie said all retailers should be encouraged to reject the publication.

He said the magazine promotes a rape culture and objectifies women.