Tesco Faces Backlash After Renaming Christmas Trees

British supermarket giant Tesco has sparked significant public outcry following its decision to rebrand Christmas trees as “evergreen trees.” The retailer is offering a 6.5-foot “Luxury Evergreen Tree” for £60 on its website and in stores, which has led to numerous criticisms on social media, with many accusing the company of adopting a “woke” stance.

Prominent figures have voiced their discontent. Susan Hall, leader of the Conservatives in the London Assembly, expressed her frustration on social media platform X, stating, “Wretched ridiculous nonsense, call it what it is, it’s a Christmas tree. There, I said it out loud. I’m fed up with all this woke stupidity.” Similarly, Olympic medalist Sharron Davies also chimed in, describing the name change as “a bit silly.” Some users went further, suggesting a boycott of Tesco and questioning whether the supermarket was distancing itself from the Christian holiday.

In response to the backlash, Tesco clarified its position to the Daily Mail, stating, “We are at Tesco and have a range of real and artificial Christmas trees in store as part of a wide selection of Christmas products to help our customers celebrate Christmas this year.” The retailer explained that the term “evergreen tree” was chosen to specify the type of tree being sold. Tesco emphasized that it continues to sell and advertise traditional “Christmas trees,” which remain listed on its website alongside various holiday essentials.

While the name change has ignited debate, Tesco reassured customers that other Christmas trees are available for purchase, ranging in price from £5.19 to £159.99. This is not the first time Tesco has faced scrutiny over its holiday marketing. In 2021, the company sold a 7-foot plastic “evergreen tree” for £80 without directly referencing Christmas, drawing criticism at the time.

The move by Tesco aligns with a broader trend observed in the UK over recent years. In 2022, the University of Brighton advised staff against using the term “Christmas,” opting instead for “winter closure period.” Furthermore, in 2023, Christmas markets across the UK, including those in County Durham, were rebranded as “winter markets” in efforts to promote inclusivity.

As the holiday season approaches, Tesco’s decision has ignited a passionate discussion regarding the intersection of commercial practices and cultural sensitivity.