A busy shopping centre has come under fire after replacing a controversial Christmas sign labelled by some shoppers as a “disgrace”.
The “Merry Everything” sign at Pacific Werribee in Melbourne’s southwest sparked outcry over perceptions it was “anti-Christmas”.
Residents took to social media threatening to cancel their children’s Santa photos if the display was not immediately changed.
Within days, Pacific Werribee owners QIC appeared to have backflipped and replaced two of the “Merry Everything” signs.
Instead, the new sign displayed the more traditional “Merry Christmas” slogan, with the change sparking mixed reactions from locals.
“Yeah, because how dare we include everyone in the holiday festivities,” Ben Anthony said. “People would fight air if it looked different.”
Kyle Mankey added: “Is this people getting upset that someone is trying not to upset someone else?”
Users on Reddit also pushed back against the switch, labelling either option as an attempt to drum up sales.
“They only use ‘Merry Everything’ because ‘we don’t care what you … believe, just spend money’ took up too much space,” a user said.
Others pointed out that Werribee was a culturally diverse area, while recognising the controversy it stirred.
“Celebrate what you celebrate, respect what others celebrate and just have a good time,” one user wrote.
The backflip didn’t stop the decoration from featuring on 3AW’s radio show with Neil Mitchell.
On the show, local Daniel said he was “taken back” by the original “Merry Everything” sign.
“They took it down on Sunday morning before Santa arrived,” Daniel said on Monday.
“They have changed it, but in the forefront … it still shows ‘merry everything’.
“I don’t think it’s right. I think it’s a bit racist … against Christians. We’re a Christian country.
“Why do we have to change things.”
That sentiment was shared by locals who labelled the sign as a “disappointment”.
“‘Merry Everything’ is ridiculous. It’s Christmas,” Rosetta Ogrizek said.
“We don’t change names of other festivals so why come up with a silly slogan.
“It’s really offensive to those that celebrate it.”
Emma Pisano added: “I will not take my children for their Santa photos at your centre as I have done for many years.
“I believe inclusion for all is extremely important for our society … I cannot understand why you would think it’s OK to change the name.”
Pacific Werribee took to social media over the weekend to address the change, stating that it had “acknowledged feedback”.
“Our ‘Merry Everything’ Christmas campaign is intended to hero our incredible range of gift giving and festive offerings available at the Centre, so customers can shop ‘everything’ this holiday season all in the one place,” they said.
“We look forward to welcoming all our customers to Pacific Werribee and helping them discover the perfect gift for their loved ones this Christmas. We wish all of our customers a Merry Christmas.”
Pacific Werribee’s owners, QIC Pty Ltd, were contacted for comment.