UPDATE:  Your actions make a difference! Gap says “pro-Christmas” ad to air this weekend

November 24, 2009

According to Bill Chandler, vice-president of Gap corporate communications, Gap's Old Navy division will launch a new television commercial this weekend which "has a very strong Christmas theme."  Read More...

Boycott Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic this Christmas

November 11, 2009

AFA is calling for a limited two-month boycott of Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, the three stores owned by San Francisco-based Gap Inc., over the company’s censorship of the word "Christmas."

The boycott is part of our ongoing campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to put Christ back in Christmas. The boycott runs from November 1 through Christmas Day.

For years, Gap has refused to use the word Christmas in its television commercials, newspaper ads and in-store promotions, despite tens of thousands of consumer requests to recognize Christmas and in spite of repeated requests from AFA to do the same.

Last year, Gap issued this politically-correct statement to Christmas shoppers: "Gap recognizes that many traditions are celebrated throughout this season and we feel it is important to display holiday signage that is inclusive to everyone."

Christmas is special because of Jesus. It's not just a "winter holiday." For millions of Americans the giving and receiving of gifts is in honor of the One who gave Himself. For the Gap to pretend that isn't the foundation of the Christmas season is political correctness at best and religious bigotry at worst.

The Gap is censoring the word Christmas, pure and simple. Yet the company wants all the people who celebrate Christmas to do their shopping at its stores? Until Gap proves it recognizes Christmas by using it in their newspaper, radio, television advertising or in-store signage, the boycott will be promoted.

In the past AFA has played a part in convincing other retailers to change their approach. For example, Sears backed away from its censorship of the word "Christmas" and now even offers a "Christmas Club" on its website.

Take Action

Sign the Boycott Gap Pledge. AFA will regularly update Gap on how many people have signed the pledge.

Print out the Boycott Gap "pass along" sheet and distribute it to family, friends, and Sunday school members.

Follow up with a phone call. In a firm but polite manner, ask Gap to reconsider its policy of censoring Christmas in promotional material. Let them know that until you SEE "Christmas" in their advertising, you will boycott them. The toll-free number is: 1-800-427-7895. The company number is: 650-952-4400.