LANDS END NEUTERS CHRISTMAS (and asking for your feedback!)

Catholic League ^ | December 1, 2005 | William Donohue

[AnAmericanMother]

Me too. They make really good stuff that is very durable and attractive. I have dresses, pants, shirts, jackets, and sweaters of theirs in my closet that are 5-10 years old and still going strong.

I'll call them too. Customer number is a good idea. They know who I am for sure.

[girlangler]

Here is the email I just sent them:

Subject: Merry Christmas -- You've lost a customer

Merry Christmas Lands End,

You have lost me as a customer since you refuse to refer to Christmas and instead chose to call it holiday.

Hopefully, the 10 people across the country who are troubled by the use of the word Christmas will buy enough to keep you in business.

I am also letting all my Christian friends, family, and acquaintances know about your stand so they can act accordingly.

[twntaipan]

I have been responding--pointing out that LandsEnd is a non-Christmas-friendly company (they used to be great) on every thread. Likewise, I am encouraging friends and family to avoid shopping their during this Christmas season, and to let LE know why.

[NYer]

Didn't know that! Thanks for posting this information. And ....

Merry Christmas!

[Balding_Eagle]

Since I personally have the freedom to celebrate Christmas anyway I want, it doesn't bother me in the least how a retailer celebrates Christmas. I'm sure the employees of Land's End, celebrate Christmas as they want.

I like, and agree with your approach.

Part of my celebrating Christmas to to hear a "Merry Christmas" from those who want me to buy Christmas gifts at their store.

I don't buy Happy Holiday gifts from anyone.

Any store is free to NOT say 'Merry Christmas'. I respect their right to (not) do so. I will respond by NOT buying Christmas gifts there, because they obviously have none.

[steveo]

mebump

[Arkinsaw]

I have been responding--pointing out that LandsEnd is a non-Christmas-friendly company (they used to be great) on every thread. Likewise, I am encouraging friends and family to avoid shopping their during this Christmas season, and to let LE know why.

I am encouraging friends and family to avoid shopping during the Christmas season at all.

[NYer]

How about I just stay away from the Lands End catalog and let you see if there are enough sodomites to keep you business healthy?

A well thought out decision. How about you let them know about it by emailing them at the above link. And ...

Merry Christmas!

[MagnoliaMS]

fidelity to that right demands that retailers censor the term Christmas at Christmastime wouldn’t even be believed by the judges from the Ninth Circuit.

I love this part...

[whattajoke]

my word people. can we please start worrying about important things rather than this pap?

[unlearner]

There are probably more people offended by Halloween than Christmas. (I am not one of them, so please don't start a debate with me over the issue.) I haven't seen stores banning that holiday's name.

[NYer]

I will let them know I'm not ordering and the reason why.

Catalogs are so convenient. The Internet is even more convenient! But, God bless you for remembering the "reason for the season".

Merry Christmas!

ps- formerNYer.....and missing that great City.

And it misses you too! You're always welcome home.

[FormerACLUmember]

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Yeah. I would argue with their definition of love being... to never speak of your religion. Christians are also commanded to preach the gospel to everyone no matter who they are. That is certainly more of an expression than a mere "Merry Christmas."

Also, their correspondence implies a reversal of roles. THEY are the ones sending out catalogs. All we want is for retaiilers who sell Christmas items and covet Christmas dollars to be unashamed of the word Christmas. We are the customers. Christians need love too.

That's what you should write back. Just say, "Christians need love, too."

[NYer]

Well maybe I'll order from one of their competitor's Chrismas catalogs.

By all means ... do! But be sure to let Lands End know why you have made the switch. And .....

Merry Christmas!

[southernnorthcarolina]

Happy long weekend to all.

Long weekend?

Hmmm, let's see... Monday, December 5 is Martin Van Buren's birthday (1782)... and Strom Thurmond's (1902). Both good excuses for taking Monday off, I suppose...

But wait! December 5 is the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition (1933)! Now there's an anniversary worthy of commemoration!

Happy Winter Solstice Holiday to all!

[NYer]

I just informed Land's End that I will not be shopping for Christmas gifts from their company since they don't recognize the day.

Than you! And ....

Merry Christmas!

[FormerACLUmember]

"Hopefully, the 10 people across the country who are troubled by the use of the word Christmas will buy enough to keep you in business."

Heh, heh, heh... nice!

LandEnd customer:

[NYer]

Merry Christmas!

[Seniram US]

I wish I had seen your post before I mailed my request.
Maybe I'll get a lecture too.

To Whom It May Concern:

Word just reached me from the Catholic League that you would be pleased to send out a catalogue with "Merry Christmas." It said:
“If we knew which customers feel as you do, we would be delighted to send them catalogs with ‘Merry Christmas’ splashed throughout the pages. However, we don’t.” I would enjoy seeing the catalog.

However, if your response to Mr. Donahue was an attempt to display an anti-Christian attitude, and imply condescendingly that Christians who don't accept holiday in place of Christmas might be bigots. I suggest that you please keep your catalog, save the shipping costs and send Merlin W. Gorsline to a course on how not to offend Christians, particularly if your firm intends to sell Christmas presents in camouflage to Christians for Christmas. After-wards, you might conclude that his position in Customer Relations might be part of the Peter Principle and that he would be more suited in the mail room where he can sort the letters from irate Christians.

It would seem to me that Merlin might have been impersonating the legendary magician, without success. His attempt to make Christmas vanish from your catalog has only brought your firm's insulting marketing techniques to the forefront. It is pretty low to use the Birthday of Christ to sell your wares, while you conceal His name.

Regards

12/02/05 A.D.

P.S. Remember, only 22 Shopping Days until Christmas, that federal holiday,signed into law by President U.S. Grant. Tell all your friends to shop where they celebrate the Christmas Holiday and to remember Merlin W. Gorsline.