CHARLOTTE, NC – SouthPark Mall is bringing back its large Christmas tree.
The tree was replaced by a glacier this year, sparking hundreds of online comments, thousands of signatures on an online petition, and even a viral video.
The mall responded to the backlash by taking down the icy display and bringing back the Christmas tree.
Today, workers were seen setting up the new decorations.
.jpg)
CHARLOTTE, NC – SouthPark Mall has reversed its decision to remove a Christmas tree from its holiday display.
The tree was replaced by a glacier this year, sparking hundreds of online comments, thousands of signatures on an online petition, and even a viral video.
“I was excited, but I wasn’t really surprised, because I knew that people would come out about this, it was something that meant a lot to people,” says South Charlotte resident David Britt.
Britt and his kids even wrote a song about it and posted it on YouTube.
SouthPark is one of seven Simon Malls across the country that replaced the traditional display with a glacier.
Joel Amick says it struck a nerve. He started an online petiton that ended up with over 20,000 signatures.
“There’s obviously the Christian and Christmas aspect of it. But some people just think it’s ugly. It’s just hideous,” Amick says.
He says he’s not sure what the mall intended by removing the tree.
“I would like to believe it’s not anything based on faith or religion. But I can’t say for sure,” he says.
In a statement Friday, a mall spokesperson told WCCB Charlotte their intent was to refresh and modernize the holiday experience.
