Shari
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Naughty or Nice?
AFA’s 2009 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 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.”

Color Code:

Company uses the term “Christmas” on a regular basis, we consider that company Christmas-friendly.

Company refers to Christmas infrequently, or in a single advertising medium, but not in others.

Company may use “Christmas” sparingly in a single or unique product description, but as a company, does not recognize it.

A company may be removed from the “bad” list by providing documentation to AFA.

SPECIAL ALERT! AFA is calling for a “Christmas” boycott of Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic stores.

Companies FOR “Christmas”
updated 11-10-09

Amazon.com
Bass Pro Shops
Bath & Body Works
Bed Bath & Beyond
Belk
Big Lots
Collective Brands
Costco
Dollar Tree
Family Dollar
Dollar General
Hallmark
Hobby Lobby
Home Depot
JC Penney
Kmart
Lowe’s
Macy’s
Meijer
Menard’s
Michael’s Stores
Neiman Marcus
Petsmart
Rite Aid
Sears
Super D Drug Stores
Target
Toys R Us
Walgreens
Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club

Companies marginalizing “Christmas”
updated 11-10-09

Best Buy
Hy-Vee Stores
Kohl’s
QVC
Safeway

Companies against “Christmas”
updated 11-10-09

Advance Auto Parts
Aldi
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Braum’s Ice Cream
CVS Pharmacy
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Gap Stores
Harris Teeter Stores
H.E.B. Stores
Home Shopping Network
Kroger
Limited Brands
McDonald’s
Nordstrom
Office Depot
Olive Garden
Outback Steakhouse
Publix
Radio Shack
Staples
SUPERVALU
Victoria’s Secret

Want to report a company? Send your detailed report to christmas@afa.net. Note: AFA does not list local or regional companies. Only nationally-recognized companies will be listed.