Neiman Marcus Renames Iconic Christmas Book During Major Changes

Neiman Marcus Renames Iconic Christmas Book During Major Changes

Neiman Marcus quietly drops “Christmas” from its iconic gift catalog, sparking outrage and internal turmoil.

At a Glance

  • Neiman Marcus rebrands “Christmas Book” to “Holiday Book” without public announcement
  • Employees frustrated, viewing it as a “woke” move amid company restructuring
  • Catalog still features extravagant “Fantasy Gifts” but lacks traditional Christmas imagery
  • Change comes as Neiman Marcus prepares for $2.65 billion acquisition by HBC in 2025
  • CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck faces criticism for layoffs and focus on DEI initiatives

A Tradition Rebranded: From Christmas to Holiday

The war on Christmas is real, and we know because Neiman Marcus has quietly rebranded its iconic “Christmas Book” to the “Holiday Book.” This change to the 98-year-old catalog tradition has been implemented without fanfare, leaving many to question the motives behind such a significant shift in branding.

The catalog, a hallmark of luxury holiday shopping since 1926, has long been known for its extravagant “Fantasy Gifts,” which have captivated the imagination of the financially elite since 1959. Despite the name change, the 2024 edition still features opulent offerings such as a $1.9 million Spanish royal carriage and a $777,777 Namibian safari, maintaining its reputation for over-the-top luxury.

Internal Dissent and Corporate Culture Shift

The rebranding has not been well-received by all, particularly among employees at the company’s Dallas headquarters. Many view this as a misguided attempt at inclusivity that comes at the expense of the company’s rich history and traditions.

And some employees think it’s a problem caused by CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck.

“We found out via the Dallas Morning News article,” one Neiman employee fumed. “The book didn’t need a name change. Personal opinions about inclusion — from Geoffroy and his leadership team — changed this.”

This discontent is exacerbated by broader concerns about the company’s direction under the company’s CEO. Employees have expressed frustration with recent layoffs, restructuring efforts, and what they perceive as an overemphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the expense of core business strategies.

A Changing of the Guard

The catalog rebranding comes at a pivotal moment for Neiman Marcus. The luxury retailer is set to be acquired by HBC, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, in a $2.65 billion deal slated for 2025. This transition of ownership has led to speculation about the motivations behind the rebranding, with some employees viewing it as a final act by the current leadership.

The company’s official stance, as conveyed by a spokesperson, is that the name change was implemented to welcome customers of all backgrounds and traditions. However, this explanation has done little to assuage the concerns of employees who fear for their job security and the erosion of company values.

Never let a Democrat tell you the war on Christmas isn’t real. It is.