Progress in the war on Christmas

November 30, 2011 12:42


Some retailers have come around and are allowing “Merry Christmas” again. But the war on Christmas continues with the Governor of Rhode Island insisting on calling a Christmas tree a “holiday” tree even though legislators passed a resolution saying its ok to call them “Christmas” trees.

Call Gov. Chafee and tell him what you think – 401-222-2080

Fox & Friends discusses:

AFA’s 2011 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas

Color Code:
GREEN: Company uses the term “Christmas” on a regular basis, we consider that company Christmas-friendly.
YELLOW: Company refers to Christmas infrequently, or in a single advertising medium, but not in others.
RED: Company may use “Christmas” sparingly in a single or unique product description, but as a company, does not recognize it.

List updated on 11-21-11

Companies FOR “Christmas”

AFA Online Store
ACE Hardware
Amazon.com
Bass Pro Shops
Bed Bath & Beyond
Belk
Best Buy
Big Lots
Books-A-Million
Cabella’s
Collective Brands
Costco
CVS Pharmacy
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dilliards
Dollar General
Family Dollar
H.E.B. Stores
HSN.com
Hallmark
Hancock Fabrics
Harris Teeter Stores
Hobby Lobby
Home Shopping Network
JC Penney
JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts Stores
Kmart
Kohl’s
Kroger
Lowe’s
Macy’s
Marshals
Meijer
Menard’s
Michael’s Stores
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Office Max
Petsmart
Pier One Imports
ProFlowers.com
Publix
QVC.com
Rite Aid
Sears
Scheels Sporting Goods
Super D Drug Stores
Target
TJ Maxx
Toys R Us
True Value
Walgreens
Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club
Zappos.com
Companies marginal on “Christmas”

1-800-Flowers.com
Bath & Body Works
Cooking.com
Dollar Tree
Hy-Vee Stores
Limited Brands
Safeway
Starbucks
UncommonGoods.com
Whole Foods

Companies AGAINST “Christmas”

Banana Republic
Barnes & Noble
Foot Locker
Gap Stores
L.L. Bean
Limited Brands
Office Depot
Old Navy
Radio Shack
Staples
Supervalu
Victoria’s Secret

Based on current advertising, below is a list of companies that avoid, ban, or use the term “Christmas” in their advertising.  We will continually update the list, so check back often.

Criteria – AFA reviewed up to four areas to determine if a company was “Christmas-friendly” in their advertising: print media (newspaper inserts), broadcast media (radio/television), website and/or personal visits to the store. If a company’s ad has references to items associated with Christmas (trees, wreaths, lights, etc.), it was considered as an attempt to reach “Christmas” shoppers.

If a company has items associated with Christmas, but did not use the word “Christmas,” then the company is considered as censoring “Christmas.”

Want to report on a company? Send your detailed report to christmas@afa.net. Please know that we receive hundreds of reports (emails) each day. We are unable to respond to each one personally, but your report will be read by one of our staff.

Note: AFA does not list local or regional companies. Only nationally-recognized companies will be listed. This list only reflects a company’s “Christmas” advertising and does not take into account other corporate policies AFA may not agree with.


ACTION ALERTS!

Retailer’s ‘War on Christmas’ already starting – and we’re naming names…

AFA’s 2011 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas

AFA’s 2011 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas



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