A major supermarket has been forced to issue a statement and reverse a decision after a Christmas decoration controversy sparked a fierce backlash from shoppers.
Decisions Taken Down Sparking Outcry
The Morrisons store at Atlas Mills in Bolton removed its festive decorations on Friday, December 13. The action quickly drew criticism online, with some local residents suggesting the removal followed complaints that the decorations were 'offensive'. The supermarket chain has not confirmed this claim.
The situation escalated on social media, where some customers threatened to boycott the store. The debate centred on inclusivity and the place of traditional celebrations in a diverse community.
Supermarket Responds and Reverses Course
Facing the growing public relations issue, Morrisons acted to rectify the situation. The company stated that the decorations had been taken down due to a 'miscommunication' and confirmed they had since been reinstated.
In an official statement, a Morrisons spokesperson said: "We have Christmas decorations up at our Atlas Mill store to help make our customers and colleagues feel festive at this special time of year. Following a miscommunication some were removed, however they have been reinstated and the store and our colleagues are excited to continue to help our customers celebrate Christmas."
The spokesperson added that the company was "looking into" the cause of the miscommunication but would not be providing any further comment.
Local Reaction and Community Spirit
Despite the swift correction, some social media users remained critical of the initial decision. One person questioned online: "Why do people think Christmas decorations will upset anyone?" Another commented: "Whatever the miscommunication was, the decorations should have stayed up. This country helps celebrate all religions."
Local councillor Susan Priest sought to calm the waters, describing the incident as "blown out of proportion". She emphasised Bolton's inclusive character, stating: "Bolton is a multi-faith place. We celebrate it all. I want to see seasonal decorations going up for all of the different celebrations throughout the year, including Christmas. That's what makes Bolton a great place."
The episode highlights the delicate balance retailers must strike during the festive season, navigating community expectations and operational communications. For now, Christmas cheer has been restored at the Bolton Morrisons.
