**10 Major Retail Stores Take a Stand to Say “Merry Christmas” Instead of “Happy Holidays”**
In recent years, the debate surrounding holiday greetings has been a hot topic, especially when it comes to retail spaces. The phrase “Happy Holidays” has become the standard in many stores, as companies aim to remain inclusive of all customers, regardless of their specific religious or cultural celebrations. However, this year, a growing number of major retail stores are taking a stand to embrace a more traditional greeting, opting to say “Merry Christmas” instead.
This shift in holiday language has sparked discussions on both sides of the aisle. Some argue that “Happy Holidays” is a neutral phrase that helps avoid exclusion in a diverse society, while others feel it diminishes the Christian roots of Christmas and ignores the cultural significance of the holiday. In response, several high-profile retailers are making it clear that they are choosing to celebrate Christmas more explicitly in their store displays, marketing, and even with their employees.
Here’s a closer look at some of the retailers that have publicly chosen to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” this season:
1. **Target**: The retail giant made headlines by opting to shift their approach in greeting customers, making “Merry Christmas” a more prominent feature in both their stores and advertising campaigns. Target has long been seen as a family-friendly brand, and this year they are focusing on the joy of the Christmas season.
2. **Walmart**: Walmart, known for catering to a vast array of shoppers, has also returned to a more traditional approach, welcoming customers with a hearty “Merry Christmas” in-store signage. Their decision is seen as a reflection of their commitment to preserving the essence of the holiday season.
3. **Home Depot**: Home Depot, a key player in home improvement, is also throwing its support behind the Christmas greeting, incorporating “Merry Christmas” throughout their marketing materials. Their approach emphasizes the importance of celebrating the season with family and community.
4. **Macy’s**: Macy’s has long been associated with the Christmas spirit, with its famous Christmas window displays and the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, the department store has taken a firm stand to use “Merry Christmas” in both its stores and online platforms.
5. **Kohl’s**: Known for its focus on family and togetherness, Kohl’s is embracing a more traditional greeting with “Merry Christmas” front and center in their holiday advertising campaigns.
6. **Lowe’s**: Like Home Depot, Lowe’s is putting a strong emphasis on the Christmas season. Their holiday promotions are centered around “Merry Christmas,” as they focus on creating festive and family-centered atmospheres.
7. **J.C. Penney**: J.C. Penney, which has made strides in rejuvenating its brand, has decided to bring back “Merry Christmas” as their greeting in both store windows and advertisements, marking a return to tradition.
8. **Costco**: Costco is another retailer that has adopted “Merry Christmas” as part of their holiday promotions this year. Known for its membership-based warehouse model, Costco’s approach emphasizes the joyful and festive nature of Christmas.
9. **Best Buy**: Best Buy, a leading electronics retailer, has opted for a more direct and festive greeting, ensuring “Merry Christmas” appears throughout their marketing, both online and in stores.
10. **Bed Bath & Beyond**: This home goods retailer has also joined the trend, incorporating “Merry Christmas” in its holiday-themed displays and advertisements.
While these retailers are certainly taking a stand to keep Christmas central to the season, they still remain sensitive to the diversity of their customer base. Many of them offer a blend of traditional Christmas elements alongside other holiday items to ensure all customers feel welcomed.
In the end, this year’s focus on “Merry Christmas” highlights the ongoing tension between inclusivity and tradition. It remains to be seen whether this shift will become more widespread in the years to come, but for now, these ten retailers are proudly standing by their choice to embrace the Christmas spirit.
