Big W removes any mention of Christmas from decorations

Discount department store Big W has removed the word ‘Christmas’ from boxes and signage in the lead-up to the holiday season.

The decision to remove references to the Christmas tradition from product lines in their Australian stores has baffled and infuriated shoppers.

Big W’s Facebook page has been inundated with posts accusing the store of bowing to political correctness and ‘banning Christmas’.

Big W’s Facebook page has been inundated with posts (pictured) accusing the store of bowing to political correctness and ‘banning Christmas’

‘You are joking,’ wrote one disgruntled consumer. ‘Banning the word Christmas. Hang your head in shame.’

Fabian Iuele, owner of Christmas Tree Farm, called the move ‘disappointing’ and said the store was ignoring both history and tradition, The Herald Sun reported. 

‘That’s really sad. It ignores the religious element and history of the holiday which is still important to people,’ he said.

‘We get people from other religions purchasing our trees regularly but they always know that they’re called Christmas trees like everybody else does.’

The decision to remove references to the Christmas tradition from product lines (pictured) in their Australian stores has baffled and infuriated shoppers

Renamed trees include the Black Forest [Christmas] Tree, White [Christmas] Tree, Emerald [Christmas] Tree and Mayfair [Christmas] Tree.

Cameron Harrison, a Big W Highpoint customer, said the store was overreacting and using the word Christmas is not a problem.

‘Christmas did have a religious meaning but we are not a religious country. I think it’s more of a tradition these days,’ he said. 

Facebook has filled up with furious customers claiming they will be shopping elsewhere for Christmas.

Disgruntled customers slammed Big W on its Facebook page (pictured), outraged at the decision

‘Big mistake Big W, how many people decorate their houses with trees just for the sake of it? It is Christmas CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS stop the ridiculous wording on your CHRISTMAS trees,’ wrote one irate shopper.

‘I will be shopping elsewhere from now on! One completely offended (former) customer.’

‘If you don’t want to acknowledge Christmas, don’t sell it! Lost this customer. Plenty of other places to spend my money,’ wrote another.

The Big W website still has trees listed under their original names, and spokeswoman told The Herald Sun the chain was proud of its line of trees this year.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Big W for comment. 

Renamed trees include the Black Forest [Christmas] Tree, White [Christmas] Tree, Emerald [Christmas] Tree and Mayfair [Christmas] Tree, and Blue Green [Christmas] Tree