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Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus has sparked backlash for a decision to go woke for Christmas.

The 117-year-old store has ignited the ire of many including some of its own veteran employees after quietly removing the word Christmas from its iconic annual gift catalog. After nearly a century, Neiman Marcus is embracing the left’s attack on Christmas and scrapped the “reason for the season” in favor of the word “holiday.”

In print since 1926, the annual “Christmas Book,” known for its luxury gifts and “fantasy” items, is this year sporting a cover devoid of anything pointing to the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. Instead, a model graces the cover with the title, A Neiman’s Fantasy.

“Neiman Marcus is kicking off the holiday season with an unprecedented array of luxury offerings. Today, the integrated luxury retailer unveiled its seasonal campaign titled A Neiman’s Fantasy, its iconic Fantasy Gifts, and beloved Holiday Book. The retailer’s team of Magic Makers will bring the season to life, with world-class service and exceptional experiences including personal shopping, gift wrapping, and Breakfast with Santa,” the retailer announced in a press release, not addressing the shift away from Christmas.

“A Neiman’s Fantasy evokes boundless optimism and child-like wonder for the holiday season, transporting customers into a storybook world inspired by enchanting fables, fairy tales, and folklore. The Holiday Book beautifully expands on this theme with rich imagery and an exceptional assortment of luxury items, curated to delight gift recipients and usher in the glamour of occasion dressing,” the company’s press release reads.

Employees at the company’s Dallas headquarters are reportedly fuming over the changes being made to the luxury brand under the leadership of CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck who stepped in as CEO in 2018.

“If Geoffroy and his team put as much time into running the business as they did on expressing viewpoints about DEI, we would be buying Saks or launching an IPO,” one veteran employee told the New York Post. “Instead, my job is at risk because of our business failure.”

Neiman Marcus is set to be purchased in 2025 by HBC, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, for $2.65 billion.

“We found out via the Dallas Morning News article,” one Neiman Marcus employee explained. “The book didn’t need a name change. Personal opinions about inclusion — from Geoffroy and his leadership team — changed this.”

A spokesperson told the Dallas Morning News that the catalog name was changed “in the spirit of inclusivity as it welcomes customers of all backgrounds, religions and traditions to celebrate the season.”

(Video Credit: Neiman Marcus)

The new “Holiday Book” cover does not convey traditional images of the December holiday, and only bears the slogan, “A Neiman’s Fantasy.”

“This year’s holiday activation and campaign is an invitation to embrace the magic of Neiman Marcus. The storytelling was inspired by the theatrical traditions and folklore during the period that the brand was founded,” Chief Brand Officer for Neiman, Nabil Aliffi said. “Through our comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategy, we will take our customers on a remarkable journey that transcends traditional shopping, immersing them in a world of fantasy both in-store and online. We invite our customers to step into this extraordinary realm, where every interaction is an opportunity to experience the excitement of the season, no matter how they choose to engage with us.”

One employee remarked on changes under van Raemdonck including to the beloved catalog, making a reference to the impending sale of the company.

“We do feel that this was a last hurrah for Geoffroy,” the employee said.

Social media users were not optimistic about the retailer’s future after its decision on Christmas.

Frieda Powers
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