Here Comes Santa Claus

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (Bentonville, Ark.), which two years ago had substituted the word “holiday'' for Christmas references and encouraged its store greeters to do the same, has brought Santa Claus into its 3407 stores. And, following an experiment at a few locations last year, the retailer has set up a Christmas Shop in each of its 1500 outlets with garden centers.

Wal-Mart has broadcast a Christmas concert it produced by the Salvation Army brass band. The chain also offered photos free of charge with a Santa Claus in stores last weekend.

Wal-Mart said its shoppers were “loud and clear” that they wanted more references to Christmas, spokeswoman Christi Gallagher said. “It's really just a direct response to what our customers have told us” in comments to store managers and on the company's toll-free phone number, she said.

Wal-Mart resumed using the word “Christmas” in stores and advertising in 2006, a year after the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights started a boycott in response to the retailer's approach to the holiday. The boycott ended after one day following an apology from the company.

Wal-Mart's Gallagher said she wasn't aware of any negative reaction to the changes. “The message that we're giving to spread Christmas in the stores is one that really resonates with all our shoppers, regardless of religious affiliation,” she said.