Wal-Mart stores will be over-flowing with Christmas spirit after boycott backlash from last year’s decision to be more politically correct in their holiday displays.
Christmas will be front and center at the world’s largest retail chain, a year after religious and other groups boycotted retailers that down-played Christmas, including Wal-Mart (WMT).
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Linda Blakley told USA Today that they have learned their lesson.
"We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often."
Wal-Mart associates we’re happy to hear about the change and will be encouraged to greet customers with words appropriate to their race or religion, such as Feliz Navidad or Happy Kwanzaa.
Along with the change, the report goes on to say that about 60% of the merchandise will be labeled "Christmas" rather than "holiday" this year over last.
• A TV ad trumpeting Christmas will air for the first time next week. Wal-Mart also will air TV ads along with the Salvation Army mentioning Christmas.
• The name of the department with Christmas decorating needs will change from The Holiday Shop, which it was for the past several years, to The Christmas Shop.
• Store signs will count down the days until Christmas, and Christmas carols will be piped throughout the season.
Julie Reem, VP of Marketing and Communications for Wal-Mart appeared on the O’Reilly Factor (FOX) making their past regrets known and promoting the company’s change of heart toward the Christmas.