16 November 2023 , 15:42
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A shopping centre in Australia has come under fire for putting up Christmas signs that some shoppers deemed a 'disgrace'.
With the festive season just around the corner, Pacific Werribee shopping centre in Melbourne decided it was time to put up a display to greet their customers. But within a short period of time, they were inundated with complaints, with people threatening to cancel their children's Santa photos unless it was changed.
The signage in question read 'Merry Everything' instead of the traditional 'Merry Christmas' - and it didn't go down well on social media with people describing it as "disappointing" and "offensive" to those celebrating Christmas.
The display did not go down well with the public (Facebook)In response to the mounting criticism, Pacific Werribee addressed the situation, stating that they had "acknowledged feedback". The shopping centre defended its 'Merry Everything' Christmas campaign, emphasising its intention to showcase the diverse range of gift-giving and festive offerings available at the centre.
However, bosses have bowed to the pressure and replaced two "Merry Everything" signs with a "Merry Christmas" slogan. It comes after John Lewis received criticism following the release of their annual Christmas TV advert. Usually, the retailer's ad leaves people with tears streaming down their cheeks. But some are saying that this year's offering, which features 'Snapper the perfect tree', hasn't quite hit the mark because it's missing a key person.
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And it isn't a lack of Santa or funny little elves that people are mad about - it's the lack of a male parental figure. Viewers have taken to X, formerly Twitter , to share their dismay at no dads being involved in the advert, despite the fact that many children are brought up in single-parent households.
With the strapline 'Let Your Traditions Grow', the advert sees a young boy lovingly nurture a Venus flytrap from a seed, believing he is cultivating the perfect Christmas tree. However, the fast-growing plant quickly becomes a life force of its own and wants to join in on the fun.
Some people were quick to note the lack of a dad, or father figure, in the advert - rather than focusing on the heartwarming overall message. Someone raged: "What the heck is that 'tree' straight from a horror movie? Also, there is no dad or man in that family?" Another said: "Being a dad I'll shop somewhere else this Christmas, thanks."
One dad even fumed: "You could have at least slipped a token Grandad into the mix. Apparently, men don't exist at Christmas for whoever runs your marketing team. Lots of single Dads out there as well but much more important to look inclusive by excluding 50% of the population. Embarrassing."
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