Neiman Marcus, the renowned department store, is facing backlash after it seemingly removed the word “Christmas” from the title of its long-standing annual gift catalog, traditionally known as the “Christmas Book.” This controversy came to light when the New York Post published a report revealing a recent press release from the retailer that referred to the catalog as the “Holiday Book.” While the exact terminology within the catalog itself remains uncertain, the shift in nomenclature has sparked discontent among both customers and employees.
The press release announced the commencement of Neiman Marcus’s holiday season with a range of luxurious offerings. It introduced a seasonal campaign titled “A Neiman’s Fantasy,” accompanied by the classic Fantasy Gifts and the rebranded Holiday Book. The retailer emphasized its commitment to enhancing the customer experience through initiatives such as personal shopping, gift wrapping, and special events like Breakfast with Santa. However, the omission of “Christmas” from the title appears to have overshadowed these festive announcements, leading many to perceive this change as a departure from traditional holiday representations.
Public reaction to the news has been swift and predominantly negative, particularly on social media platforms. Users expressed their disappointment and anger, conveying sentiments that the removal of Christmas was indicative of a broader trend of disregard for traditional values associated with the holiday season. Comments ranged from emotionally charged remarks about a supposed anti-Christmas sentiment to calls for consumers to boycott Neiman Marcus for perceived disrespect towards a significant aspect of its clientele’s holiday celebrations.
Internally, the situation seems equally fraught. Employees at Neiman Marcus’s Dallas headquarters reportedly disapprove of the name change, aware that it is part of a wider shift under CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck. The transformations in company policy, including layoffs and restructuring, have contributed to employee dissatisfaction, leading some to voice their concerns over losing the essence of the company’s long-standing traditions and heritage. This sentiment indicates a deeper divide not just between the corporation and its consumers but also among its own workforce.
A response from the retailer claimed the renaming was a strategic decision aimed at promoting inclusivity and reflecting the diverse preferences of its customer base. However, the way in which this decision was communicated—through news outlets rather than direct internal channels—has added to employee frustrations. Many believe the name change was unnecessary and do not align with the true spirit of the holiday season that the catalog has represented for generations.
Despite the controversy over the catalog’s name and the resulting public and employee outcry, evidence suggests that the spirit of Christmas is not entirely absent from Neiman Marcus’s offerings. The term “Christmas” does appear on the company’s website, particularly in the context of the “2024 Fantasy Gifts.” This indicates that while the catalog’s title may have shifted, the store is still recognizing and celebrating the holiday tradition in other contexts. The ongoing debate reflects broader societal discussions about tradition versus modernity in holiday celebrations and retail practices.
