It started subtly—so subtly most people wouldn’t have noticed.
A few shoppers flipping through a Home Depot ad were the first to catch it. The familiar “Season’s Greetings” banner had vanished. In its place, a striking red “Merry Christmas” stretched across the page.
But the real spark of curiosity came from an anonymous memo leaked alongside the ad mock-up, hinting that a group of private investors had quietly pushed for this unified holiday messaging long before the season arrived.
Now, ten major retailers are rolling out a coordinated return to the traditional “Merry Christmas” greeting. The move appears to be a statement—an intentional shift back toward explicitly celebrating Christmas throughout the holiday stretch.
Companies such as Hobby Lobby, Belk, Nordstrom, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Macy’s, JCPenney, Bass Pro Shops, Lowe’s, and Toys ‘R Us have begun weaving the phrase into their advertising, store décor, and customer interactions.
According to the article, these brands seem to be participating in “a collective effort to revive the classic Christmas greeting.” Shoppers are subtly encouraged to join in the spirit and share a cheerful “Merry Christmas” as they browse and buy. The piece wraps up with a warm nudge to embrace the season:
“Wherever you shop this Christmas, don’t hesitate to spread the cheer by saying ‘Merry Christmas.’”
Conclusion
The resurgence of “Merry Christmas” reflects more than a marketing trend—it signals a broader cultural realignment in how retailers communicate with their customers. Whether sparked by nostalgia, buyer preferences, or behind-the-scenes corporate strategy, one thing is clear: the Christmas message is back at the forefront. For many shoppers, hearing the familiar greeting restores a sense of tradition and festive comfort. And as stores revive this classic holiday cheer, customers seem eager to return the sentiment.