AFA's 2008 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas
Based on current advertising, below is a list of companies that avoid, ban, or use the term "Christmas" in their advertising. We urge you to contact the "naughty" companies by using the contact information provided below. 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 uses the term "Christmas" on a regular basis, we consider that company Christmas-friendly.
A company may be removed from the "bad" list by providing documentation to AFA.
*A company may use "Christmas" sparingly in a single or unique product description, but as a company, does not recognize it.
Companies against "Christmas"
updated 12-15-08
Barnes & Noble 1-800-843-2665 - Offers "Holiday Gift Guide." Christmas not found on website. Online feedback form (bottom of page)
Braum's Ice Cream 1-877-274-4197 Sells "holiday" items only. Online feedback form Note: Braum's recently added a token "Merry Christmas" crawler to their website to ward off complaints, but refuses to incorporate it anywhere else.
CVS Pharmacy 1-800-746-7287 - CVS offers a "Holiday Center" on its website. The Nov. paper insert avoids using the term "Christmas." Phone: 1-888-607-4287 or email customercare@cvs.com
Gap Stores (Gap, Old Navy) 1-800-427-7895 - Gap stores avoid using Christmas at every opportunity, being a very secular company. custserv@gap.com
Kroger 1-866-221-4141 -Website uses "holiday" extensively. Weekly ad uses "holiday." email Kroger
Office Depot 1-800-463-3768 - Newspaper inserts reference "holiday" only. Website void of Christmas references. Online form
Olive Garden 1-800-331-2729 -
Radio Shack 1-800-843-7422 - Website search for "Christmas" results in "holiday" page. No mention of Christmas anywhere. Online feedback form
Staples 508-253-0879 - Staples' press release referred to "holiday" 13 times without a single mention of Christmas. Last year, Staples emailed a customer to say it refused to post "Christmas" signs in their store. Live chat with Staples online or email Staples.
SUPERVALU 952-828-4000 -Owns Albertsons and Jewel-Osco. Refers to Christmas decorations as "holiday" on website and weekly ads. email SUPERVALUE
Companies FOR "Christmas" updated 12-15-08
Bass Pro Shops
Bed Bath & Beyond
Belk
Best Buy
Big Lots
Costco
Dollar Tree
Family Dollar
Dollar General
Home Depot
Kmart
Kohl's
Lowe's
Macy's
Menard's
Petsmart
Rite Aid
Sears
Super D Drug Stores
Target
Walgreens
Wal-Mart/Sam's Club -
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