Sydney shoppers vented their discontent after David Jones ditched its festive window display in favour of a loyalty program promotion, instead featuring Domino the Dalmatian.
The usually bustling Elizabeth Street was eerily quiet on Friday morning as families lined up for the traditional Christmas spectacle. Instead, they were greeted by an animated Domino mascot, dressed in red, wagging its tail and waving a paw beside "Qantas Points" baubles.
The decision has sparked outrage among some, with one Facebook user describing it as a "sad decline from the lively displays of the 1960s onwards". Another commented that it was a "pity" to see the iconic Christmas windows replaced with advertising for the store's rewards program.
David Jones' response acknowledged that the display had fallen short of expectations and promised to take customer feedback on board. The retailer cited changing shopping habits as a possible reason for the demise of the festive window, citing declining retail trade and cost-of-living concerns.
Meanwhile, rival department store Myer has continued its annual Christmas tradition with a Lego-themed display in Melbourne's CBD, which was hailed as "magical" by visitors.
The usually bustling Elizabeth Street was eerily quiet on Friday morning as families lined up for the traditional Christmas spectacle. Instead, they were greeted by an animated Domino mascot, dressed in red, wagging its tail and waving a paw beside "Qantas Points" baubles.
The decision has sparked outrage among some, with one Facebook user describing it as a "sad decline from the lively displays of the 1960s onwards". Another commented that it was a "pity" to see the iconic Christmas windows replaced with advertising for the store's rewards program.
David Jones' response acknowledged that the display had fallen short of expectations and promised to take customer feedback on board. The retailer cited changing shopping habits as a possible reason for the demise of the festive window, citing declining retail trade and cost-of-living concerns.
Meanwhile, rival department store Myer has continued its annual Christmas tradition with a Lego-themed display in Melbourne's CBD, which was hailed as "magical" by visitors.
. But have you thought about it from their perspective? They're trying to attract customers who are really looking for a good deal right now 
. And what's more appealing than a cute puppy in red waving at you with Qantas Points on his collar? 
I mean, sure, the old Christmas windows were iconic and all, but they didn't exactly scream "deal" either 
. Plus, think about how many people are now shopping online instead of in-store... it's just business as usual, right? 
Maybe David Jones is just trying to adapt to the times? 
what happened to Sydney shopping?! They're literally getting rid of the most iconic part of Christmas at David Jones! I mean, who thought featuring Domino the Dalmatian would be a good idea? 
It's like they want to suck the magic out of Christmas... Not cool, David Jones! 
On the other hand, Myer is doing it right with that epic Lego display in Melbourne. Maybe we should just shop at Myer now instead? 
i mean, what's next? removing christmas from stores altogether?! it's all about the benjamins, right? 
but seriously, that dominic dalmatian mascot is kinda cute 
. guess that's something to look at instead of their festive vibes... myer on the other hand is killing the game with that lego display 
? I'm sure the kids are super stoked to be wowed by Domino instead of, like, sparkly lights and decorations 
. And omg, "Qantas Points" baubles? That's some next-level thinking right there 
. Seriously though, it's a bit sad that our favorite Christmas ritual is being replaced with... rewards programs 
.
. I'm with the people who think it's a shame they ditched their traditional windows for a loyalty program promo... Domino's just not the same as the classic David Jones displays 