Posted on 12/03/2008 4:02:46 AM PST by IbJensen
Costco has 520 stores nationwide. But you will not find "Christmas" in a single store.
That's because Costco says it will not use the term "Christmas" on its website or in its stores. Instead, Costco is telling customers it purposely chooses to use the generic "holiday" verbiage. You know, they stock holiday gifts, not Christmas gifts.
Last week, a customer wrote to Costco and asked this direct question – "Does Costco use the word 'Christmas' in your store advertising or on any signs anywhere in your stores during the Christmas season? That's a pretty simple question, yes or no."
Kory Rosacrans, staff manager for Costco replied, "I guess the answer would be No."
Rosacrans said, "Costco does not advertise on television, on radio or in print like other retailers. We only advertise by mailings and e-mail messages sent directly to our members who have paid for the privilege of shopping with us."
Costco wants you to do your "Christmas" shopping with them, while refusing to recognize that Christmas even exists.
Hey, I've belonged to Costco for years and I only have one complaint!
I moved to Franklin North Carolina and the closest Costo is in Atlanta. We have kids in Jacksonville and Orlando Florida and Raleigh NC. So when we visit them we take a cooler and load up with food and other items to keep us until we go again.
How about getting one built closer to my home? :)
My mistake.
There was an error in another post several days ago putting Target on the “naughty” list but the post was in error.
I did check.
What appears on the 'website' with the sterile non-Christmas feeling of the big box store are two different venues.
Keep shopping, Citizen.
I doesn’t bother me. I am only baffled that there would be people in this world that would be so bothered by such a trivial matter they would be moved to change their behavior as a result.
I’m only trying to understand.
The lack of Merry Christmas signs is already having an effect. It’s only a matter of time for Costco now.
I ponder somethings while I read these comments. How do you know Mr. Rosacrans has a distaste for Christmas? You do not know him nor his beliefs. This is the season for giving, love, and joy. It is the season for Hanuka, Kwanzaa, and many other holidays. We each celebrate this season is our own way and our own traditions. Do we really care that much... on which store says happy holidays verse merry christmas? Is it really that petty?! Costco has a variety of items for this holiday season. Yes it sells christmas items, christmas trees, menorahs, other holiday candles and gifts. I think you are forgetting what he said. Before you put words into his mouth....it was quoted “Kory Rosacrans, staff manager for Costco replied, “I GUESS the answer would be No.”
Rosacrans said, “Costco does NOT advertise on television, on radio or in print like other retailers. We only advertise by mailings and e-mail messages sent directly to our members who have paid for the privilege of shopping with us.”
If this chain did not care about the holiday season it would not sell these items. So as for Mr. Rosacrans distaste for Christmas....this accusation clearly has nothing to do with the above conversation. So as for the attack on Mr. Rosacrans and his character shame on you during this CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY season. The time for caring, giving and sharing. It is a time of year where we should come together and not judge. If you are upset with the politically correctness he is trying to provide you should attack Costco not an employee. Employees follow the code and ethic rules provide by its company. Any employee for any career would know, understand, and abide by these codes/rules. I would like to take the time to say thank you Mr. Rosacrans for following your company policy.
Costco is very community oriented! Props to you for standing up for your company!
LLS
Your complaint is that the Costco website is not "Christmasy" enough? Costco's website has always been pretty bare bones. It's part of their business approach to strip everything down to the basics to save money. They don't do anything special for any other holiday, either.
It's their stores, Citizen!
Happy Kwanzaa (hut) little britches.
You type a lot, but say little.
What are the 'many other holidays?' There's got to be a druid thing in there somewhere and there's always a mooselimb thing going on. (Like a beheading or stoning.)
Anyway. Merry Christmas!
Are you sure it isn't a 'holiday' tree?
How is Mr. Rosacrans these days?
Thank you ‘little britches’ aka Mrs. Rosacrans.
I email Costco about this and here is the Rep’s reply:
Dear sharon,
Thank you for your email to Costco Wholesale.
Costco does not advertise on television, on radio or in print like other retailers. We only advertise by mailings and e-mail messages sent directly to our members who have paid for the privilege of shopping with us. Accordingly, we must be as efficient as possible with any communications we send. Costco typically launches some coupon programs in the November time frame. The advertisements used for these programs may mention “the holidays,” referring to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Costco has no policy to exclude the word “Christmas” or any other religious term from our advertising.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year’s.
Thank you,
Brenda
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Sounds to me like it is a Nasty Rumor.
Well, as I do Christmas shopping, as opposed to “holiday” shopping, I guess I don’t have to bother with Costco this year.
I have worked for Costco for over 15 years, and today I heard from a few people this rumor that I am responding to you about now. I’ve Never been told not to say “Merry Christmas”. By the way, Christmas started off as a pagan celebration. The joke is on those businesses that want you to say “Happy Holidays”. Holiday really means Holy Days. I say “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holidays”. Occasionally to someone I know who needs it, I’ll say “I’ll pray for you” when I know they are going through a crises. Costco is an outstanding company to work for. I will work for them until I am 70 if I am able to. From Jim Sinegal on down, I have been treated with nothing but respect and kindness—and no, I’m not in Management. This rumor probably got started by a jealous competitor.
I’ve Never been told not to say “Merry Christmas”. >>
then start saying it and saying it loudly enough for your bosses to hear you. The action alert stated that Costco does NOT use the word CHRISTMAS in it’s advertising materials, both print and internet web. Please alert me to the web and print advertising that uses the word CHRISTMAS. I would like to see it.. thanks.
If you are paying 2 bucks a pound for chicken bs you are paying too much...shoppers are often confused by so called discount stores who actually charge more than regular supermarkets.
In my area - 1.89 lb is normal for chick bs -
at the supermarket chain
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