Posted by
Ikester on Thursday, December 03, 2009 4:57:17 PM
I just got off the phone with a manager in my local Costco and we were discussing their policy on using the word Christmas in their advertising and in their stores. He told me that he would get back to me when I called earlier and so he did. He sounded hopeful the first time I spoke with him but when he called back the top dog had obviously gotten to him. He told me that their policy was to avoid using the word Christmas since it might offend someone. (Typical Political Correctness mantra)
Wait a minute here! If this is Christmas and you are selling Christmas gifts to give to those who celebrate Christmas, then what is the reasoning behind this decision? It is purely Political Correctness gone mad. It makes NO SENSE to offend your whole client base who are celebrating Christmas in hopes of not offending one who celebrates Hanukah or one of the oddball holidays.
I told him that I choose to buy my Christmas gifts from a store that sells Christmas gifts because this is Christmas that I am celebrating and I will buy my gifts from the stores that have the moral courage to do the right thing, and I will do just that.
So, if you are a retailer who boldly goes against the PC mantra then advertise boldly this year and you will find many customers who feel strongly about this.
PS: Old Navy/Gap has chosen to get with the season and openly wish their customers a MERRY CHRISTMAS where earlier this season they were making fun of the idea. You know it only gets their attention when it hits their BOTTOM LINE since it is all about profit and loss.
By the way, I was just in Wal-Mart and the store was silent and it was not even night, if you get my drift. There was no Christmas music playing. Whether they were just observing a moment of silence for the Obama jobs summit or not I cannot tell you. It did after all deserve one.
So, retailers choose you this day whom you will try to attract this Christmas season. Your bottom line will look better if you choose to celebrate Christmas this year.