Shoppers at a Morrisons supermarket in Bolton have threatened a boycott after the store removed its Christmas decorations, an act that left many customers furious and sparked a significant backlash on social media.
What Happened at the Atlas Mills Store?
The controversy began at the Morrisons Atlas Mills store in Bolton, Greater Manchester, last Saturday. The festive decorations, which were prominently displayed around the checkout area, were taken down. This action followed reports that the shop had received complaints from locals alleging the decorations were 'offensive'.
The swift removal did not go unnoticed. Customers took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to voice their anger and confusion. One shopper questioned, "Why do people think Christmas decorations will upset anyone?" Another comment highlighted national identity, stating, "I thought Morrisons was a British store." The sentiment of betrayal was palpable, with a third user declaring the situation made their "blood boil" and emphasising, "It's Britain, we celebrate Christmas."
Supermarket Response and Public Reaction
Facing mounting pressure, Morrisons responded by reinstating the decorations. The supermarket giant issued a statement attributing the initial removal to a 'miscommunication'. "Following a miscommunication some were removed, however they have been reinstated and the store and our colleagues are excited to continue to help our customers celebrate Christmas," a spokesperson said.
Despite this correction, the threat of a consumer boycott lingered. One web user vowed, "Won't be shopping at Morrisons or any supermarket that doesn't support Christmas." The incident tapped into broader conversations about tradition and inclusivity in modern Britain.
Local Community Perspective
Local councillor Susan Priest offered a measured view of the situation. She acknowledged Bolton's diverse community, saying, "Bolton is a multi-faith place. We celebrate it all. I want to see seasonal decorations going up for all of the different celebrations throughout the year, including Christmas." She suggested the incident may have been "blown out of proportion."
Morrisons, which competes with rivals like Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and Sainsbury's, reiterated its commitment to the festive season in its statement, confirming decorations were up to help "make our customers and colleagues feel festive at this special time of year." The episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance retailers must strike during the holiday period in a multicultural society.
