David Jones to bring Christmas tradition back next year after backlash

David Jones has hinted its beloved Christmas window displays could return to its flagship Sydney store next year.

The department store giant opted to promote its loyalty program in the Elizabeth Street windows over the annual festive display this year.

The retailer insisted this week the "Christmas magic continues in-store" with a Santa experience and choir.

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But the move was met with anger and disappointment from Sydney residents and visitors.

Hornsby Heights father Phil told Nine radio station 2GB earlier this week the decision shattered a family tradition he had passed down to his seven-year-old daughter Lucy.

"This is about community and sharing the joy of Christmas time that Sydney families have enjoyed for decades," he said.

Across social media, many expressed their disapproval of the store's decision to feature an ad instead of a Christmas display.

"My beloved mother is rolling in her grave," one commenter said.

"We went into the city last weekend to see the window display as it's been a yearly tradition of ours. Devastated to see there was nothing," another said.

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One woman said the festive displays meant a lot to her granddaughter and called for the store to "bring back the Christmas windows".

"It is the delight on their faces of an imaginary world that they remember for generations and take their grandchildren to see the wonder," she said.

A David Jones spokesperson acknowledged this year's display had fallen short of expectations and was not what many in the community were hoping for.

"We understand how deeply cherished the Christmas windows are by our customers and the community, and we truly appreciate the feedback we've received," a David Jones spokesperson said.

"We greatly value our customers' feedback and will take it on board as we plan future celebrations.

"We look forward to delighting our customers next year."

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