The American Family Association just released its annual "naughty or nice" list of retailers. The criteria for determining whether a retailer is naughty or nice is based on "Christmas-friendly advertising in print or broadcast, including websites, media advertising and store signage.
"Each year, American Family Association makes every effort to ensure that Christmas isn't repeatedly watered down, especially when it comes to choosing gifts for our loved ones," said AFA President Tim Wildmon. "That's why it's crucial to continue to encourage governments, companies and retailers to keep the word 'Christmas' alive—and keep Christ in Christmas."
Six retailers/ restaurants make the AFA's 5-star list for promoting Christmas in an exceptional way: Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Kirkland's, Lowe's, Hobby Lobby and Michael's. Forty three others make up the "nice" list including Banana Republic, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Penney's, Macy's, Menards, Hy-Vee, Kmart, Cabela's, Sam's Club, Dick's Sporting Goods, Home Depot and Toys R Us.
No Minnesota companies made the "nice" list, but several made the "naughty" list including Best Buy, Supervalu (Cub Foods) and Maurice's. They were criticized for using "Christmas" sparingly in advertising. Click on each retailer in the link above for a brief description of the reasons for its rating. For Best Buy, the AFA wrote, "Company refers to Christmas infrequently, or in a single advertising medium, but not in others."
Target was left off all the lists, but would likely have joined the other Minnesota companies on the naughty list. The AFA singled out Target for a boycott after it expressed support for gender neutral bathrooms earlier in 2016. The site is still selling "I boycott Target" buttons and T-shirts.
The AFA is a non-profit based in the United States that promotes Christian values. The Southern Poverty Law Center has described it as a hate group.
