Shoppers outraged after Big W renames Christmas trees
Big W is facing a major backlash after removing any mention of the word Christmas from their popular range of "festive trees".
Stores across the country have already been decked out in Christmas decorations but customers searching for their usual discount Christmas tree will now have to settle for a "Grand Pine Tree".
Social commentator Jane Caro accused the store of trying to upmarket the product in a bid to make customers use them all year round.
"Everyone knows they are Christmas trees, not real trees," she told Sunrise.
"They are trying to make them more prestigious ... they are not trying to get rid of Christmas, just trying to put a higher price on it."
"These are Christmas decorations and they want us to buy them but not mention Christmas, I would say this is hypocrisy, no doubt about it," 3AW radio personality Tom Elliot added.
Regardless of motive, the store is now facing a public relations nightmare, with hundreds of furious customers taking to their Facebook page to vent their frustrations.
"Goodbye Big W. Taking away Christmas. You fools. Bite the hand that feeds you," one customer wrote.
"I need a new tree for Christmas this year - but I will buy it somewhere that is selling Christmas trees - Not bloody festive trees," another added.
"This is the lowest point I have seen you stoop to, shame on you," another added.
7 News Online has contacted Big W for comment.
For more 'Hot Topic' discussions, tune in to Sunrise from 5am on weekdays.
