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