Wal-Mart Says “No!” to Christmas -- Again

While we’re still enjoying the warming days of late August, retail stores are already working on their biggest sales time of the year, including Wal-Mart. That’s right, coming again this December is that age-old celebration that all Christians cherish…the “holiday” season – well, that’s what Wal-Mart is calling it again. Wal-Mart, the parent company that also owns Sam’s Club has been getting its little elves ready with its in-house publication, Source, which is highlighting just a taste of its “holiday” cards, ribbons, and gift-bags for its store purchasers, along with the reminder to “plan ahead for the holidays.” As AgapePress details after being alerted by Randy Sharp, special projects director for the American Family Association (AFA), Wal-Mart’s action comes after the AFA sent the giant retailer a CD with the signatures of 201,595 people asking that Wal-Mart not ban the word “Christmas” during the Christmas holidays . There was, however, no response from Wal-Mart. The retail giant also followed the same generic approach to the use of the word “Christmas” last year. As a result of the ad and Wal-Mart’s lack of a response to the AFA’s petition, Sharp has asked that potential Christian shoppers send a little missive to Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club with an online petition but I’m not sure if it’s worth it. In another move that should really cut the ties that Wal-Mart once had with the rural South (the business is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas), management has decided to enter into a partnership with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Interestingly, the retailer sent nothing out to the press about this, allowing the chamber to announce it instead. Said Wal-Mart spokesman Bob McAdam about the retailer’s new alliance with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, “[Wal-Mart] is making a very sincere effort to reach out to people who are a significant part of our customer base.” Since heterosexuals comprise about 97% of the U.S. population, Mr. McAdam seems to have his priorities crossed.The online petition allows you to add your own comments along with a template provided by the AFA. Just a suggestion, if you’re inclined to sign this new petition for the folks at Wal-Mart HQ, feel free to be creative.