Posted on 12/10/2014 9:38:21 AM PST by Ravnagora
Mr. C. Douglas McMillon
President and Chief Executive Officer
Walmart Corporate Office Headquarters
702 SW 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716
Dear Mr. McMillon,
This is a happy letter that I'm so pleased to be writing, because it's about a very positive experience I had at one of your stores in the Chicago suburban area on Saturday December 6, 2014, and the experience left me very hopeful about the future of Christmas in America.
Like many others, I had been under the impression for a number of years now that Walmart customer service associates were "not allowed" to wish their customers a "Merry Christmas", because reference to the Christian aspect of this wonderful holiday was not "politically correct" in today's modern retail climate. I was under the impression, most probably generated by media coverage as so many "wrong impressions" are, that Walmart associates had to conduct themselves under an official directive to address their customers with the generic "Happy Holidays", a greeting that I've never had a problem with until it was mandated to be used to replace and override any reference to Jesus Christ or God in the context of the winter holiday season. Everyone now had to make sure "not to offend" any number of different people who did NOT recognize or celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas, but offending "Christians" was of no consequence. This trend has been both alarming and deeply disappointing, and it has long been past time for Christians to stand up and say "No More!".
Imagine my surprise and delight when I was checking out at the Walmart store in Streamwood, IL (Store 1420) on the evening of Saturday December 6, 2014 in the early evening. I entered checkout line "3" and the Walmart associate was "LAURA", Operator # 00005812. She appeared to be a fairly young lady with a gentle manner and warm demeanor. At the end of my transaction, she said "Merry Christmas" and I found myself in momentary shock! It was so unexpected! I communicated my delight to her and she was a bit surprised herself, because for her, greeting her customers with "Merry Christmas" was something that came naturally. We ended our conversation with her saying, and I kid you not, "God Bless." I could barely contain myself. I just could not believe my ears.
I immediately searched for a supervisor, was directed to a lady by the name of "Honor", and described the experience with "Laura". But this needed to go higher. Laura's customer service had to be officially recognized and acknowledged.
Over the course of the following couple of days, I was able to get directly in touch with the store manager, Cyndi Kolich, and I described the experience to her. Imagine my surprise to learn that there has NEVER been a directive issued by Walmart Corporate to forbid Walmart associates from greeting customers with "Merry Christmas". Individual stores have the option, apparently, to suggest "greeting policies" during the winter holiday season, but as far as Cyndi was concerned, "Merry Christmas" would never be banned from her store. Indeed, it was actually encouraged. I was struck by how the wrong impression of Walmart corporate policy with regards to "Christmas" had become so pervasive, but then again, having some insight into "media manipulation" and "misinformation and disinformation campaigns", it really wasn't so surprising after all.
I hope that "LAURA" will be recognized for her wonderful customer service and that other associates will be encouraged to honor the Christmas holiday season without fear of reprisal.
Thank you for your time.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Aleksandra Rebic
Chicago, IL
December 10, 2014
*****
Same thing happened to me at the Walmart in Rio Rancho, NM on Monday. It was a pleasant surprise. I actually had to think about what the young lady said for a second, to make certain I’d heard it correctly.
Good for you. Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours.
Good going. Now she’ll probably be fired.
These days a letter like this could get someone fired in many places.
Did you read the whole letter?
Source?
+1.
Up until the last 6 years or so, our local Walmart played Christmas music over the loud speaker. I miss those days.
Cedar, I’m not sure which store it was in, but the same day I was hearing the good old fashioned, traditional Christmas music being played over the loudspeaker! Another reason to be hopeful!
I’m Jewish, whenever someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I’m not offended at all. It’s a well meaning gesture of Good Will.
Did you get her number?
Ho, ho, ho!
LOL that was my first thought when I read the letter, also, ‘so this is how you repay her.’ writing the head honchos, there goes her bonus.
noooo, really....nooooooo!
Yes.
That’s great to hear. Back in the 60’s thru I guess the 80’s, you could hear Christmas carols played in all the stores. Was a wonderful feeling in the atmosphere.
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