You may be aware that the reference to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Ahda in our 11/22 Best Buy Sunday newspaper insert (for U.S. Best Buy stores) has spurred a number of conversations in the blogosphere and on Best Buy’s Facebook site. We’ve also seen an increase in the volume of calls and e-mails to Enterprise Customer Care.
In light of this, I wanted to make sure people understand our strategy related to holiday greetings.
First and foremost, Best Buy is committed to living our values and creating an inclusive environment for customers and employees. Therefore, as we continue striving to better understand our customers in order meet their unique needs, it’s only natural that we would look for ways to communicate to them about the things that are important in their lives. At this time of year, that means acknowledging the various holidays in which gifts traditionally are exchanged.
That’s why we decided to use the insert at the appropriate times to wish customers a happy Eid al-Ahda, a merry Christmas, a joyous Kwanza, a happy Hanukkah and Feliz Navidad, among others.
Obviously, this commitment to our values and creating an inclusive environment extends to our employees as well. When we were developing this strategy, we consulted our Employee Business Networks (EBNs) and I’m proud that they contributed to the decision to acknowledge these important holidays.
And while there are some people who don’t agree with our approach, there are many others who appreciate what we are doing, including many employees who are – as usual – incredibly thoughtful and articulate when discussing company strategies. (You can visit Best Buy’s Community Forums or Facebook site to see examples of the conversations taking place.)
I believe this year’s approach is a positive change from how we have acknowledged holiday gift-giving occasions in the recent past. We used to think that ”Happy Holidays” was inclusive language until our customers and employees told us otherwise. We know that Best Buy’s customers and employees around the world represent a variety of faiths and denominations and we are proud to have made the decision to call out those holidays of importance to them.
Whatever the holiday you may celebrate, I sincerely hope that it is filled with much happiness.
Barry,
I applaud Best Buy’s inclusive approach. In my time working in far-flung stores and at the office I saw a constant focus on including ideas and feedback from all corners of the enterprise and in stores. It really set my experiences at Best Buy apart from other organizations I’ve worked with and, through efforts like this, it sets Best Buy apart in the greater marketplace as a thought leader in something that I think is utterly basic: Making customers and employees feel welcome.
Bravo. Keep rockin’.
I think in this age of everyone taking the religion out of the holiday season it is nice to see you keeping it there!
Good on you Best Buy marketing!
Barry,
I am so proud to be a part of a company that has the courage to recognize and respect the diversity of thought, faith and culture that exists in our employee and customer groups. The decision to recognize a variety of holidays is a positive, inclusive move and was made with the best of intents. When we use our values as our guide, we make the right decisions.
I think this is an amazing strategy. I would be very pleased if someone wished me a happy Eid al-Ahda, even though I don’t celebrate it. People are getting too sensitive. News flash: there are many different people in the world, and in America, not just Christians, so people need to stop getting offended at these different holidays and customs. They aren’t going any where, and it is time to embrace them.
I greatly applaud your efforts towards peace and tolerance in a diverse society. IT is the first drop of rain. Keep up this tradition. And yes by this action you have created a lot of new customers. God bless you!
I would like to thank Best Buy for wishing Muslims a happy Eid. That was very nice. I would like to wish all Best Buy employees around the world happy and wonderful Holidays. I brought my Children’s Eid gifts from Best Buy and I’ll encourage my family and friends to shop there.
Thanks again,
What –you don’t want to offend anyone??? What? By removing Christmas you have offended every American who believes in Christmas. Best Buy gets the grinch award this year….pathetice
I applaud the policy that you have published here.
Could you expand on your company policy regarding greetings by employees in the store? On a recent visit I greeted some of your employees by saying “Merry Christmas”. In every case they quickly looked around like they were afraid someone might have overheard this. Their response was always “Happy Holidays”. Why the fear?
If a customer greets an employee with “Happy Eid” wouldn’t it seem appropriate to respond in kind?. I am a Christian and celebrate Christmas, but I still hope that Muslims have a happy day on their day of celebration and I will not belittle it to them by responding with an ambiguous reply.
Any thoughts on this? I’m specifically looking for info on your official policy, not for arguments from other readers.
I certainly embrace inclusion and diversity. I can tell you as a Christian, I certainly do not feel included. It seems that all this I and D means for every other group…but not the evil right wing fundamentalist Christians (sarcasm). Really folks, come on..what is the celebration of December 25 in America. The birth of Jesus the Christ….Emanuel…God with us. This is the Christmas season no matter how much you try for it not to be. Best Buy certainly has every right to neglect Christmas if they want to, but as for me and everyone I know, when I go into best buy during the Christmas season and can’t tell it’s Christmas in their store, then me and my money are leaving to spend it where they like Christmas.
If I lived in a Muslim country, I wouldn’t be offended if I was wished a happy Eid al-Ahda– my family and I would expect it and give the appropriate greeting back. Statistics show that we are still a Christian country. I have not seen Christmas mentioned in Best Buy print or on their web site. I have read many posts where employees or ex-employees have stated that they were specifically told not to mention Christmas. It is getting tiresome to have our Christian culture beat down once again. We ARE tolerant of others mentioning their holidays, however, Christmas should be as well.
Hello Barry. I’m sure you are aware of this site. http//:www.standforchristmas.com If you are not, check it out under Best Buy, and read what real people had to say about their experience at Best Buy stores. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.
Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Muslim, Hinduism, Unitarian universalist, Wiccan, Baha’i, Sikhism, Eckankar, Taoist, See what you start when you try to pander to everyone Best Buy? Traditionally America really is a judeo christian nation regardless of what our President says. Maybe we should just stick with being traditional America instead of going down endless roads with many unknown hazards. I see you mention Feliz Navidad. Funny but my two relatives that happen to be of Mexican decent say “Merry Christmas! ” Why? Because they have become Americans, and are proud to be. People used to come here and want to be part of America. I don’t think that was a bad idea. What you are doing is.
Barry,
I commend your decision to stand firm on the wonderful example set by Best Buy in greeting the American Muslims on Eid. This simple act will go a long way in helping American Muslims become a part and parcel of the diverse American Society.
Ofcourse there is always a greater backlash against such a ground breaking act. But BB has earned respect from the fair Americans for a very long time to come.
Thank you.
I will be looking for your “Merry Christmas” message to be just as prominent.
Otherwise you are a complete hypocrite and not inclusive at all.
I want to thank Best Buy for wishing Muslims a happy Eid. That was a pleasant surprise. I’ve purchased things at bestbuy before and will consider becoming a more frequent customer and will encourage my family and friends to shop there as well.
Thanks for posting recognizing muslims and our holiday!
It is a great initiative. Although in essence is it a big deal to wish a happy celebration to one of the largest minority faiths in USA? Americans in general are well mannered, best wishers and most thoughtful of the sentiments of other human beings and their faiths. But some powerful individuals have tried to scare Americans from one of the closest religion to Christianity. I think it is time to say the right thing and be bold in your stand. Congratulations for this correct stance Best Buy. All Muslims and other faiths should applaud Best buy for their noble stand!
Maryland, USA
I think it was awesome of you guys to recognize Muslims and their auspicious day of celebration.
Thanks for your concern,
Thanks Best Buy. You really helped make it easier for many Muslims to celebrate.
And as for the Christians who feel neglected, it is understood that you feel since it is Christmas season it should be celebrated but Eid Al Adha was only ONE day. You guys have a MONTH over the Muslims and that is plenty of time to be wished “Merry Christmas” over and over again.
It’s really not that great of a shaft towards you at all.
Plus if the Christmas season can be shared with Hannukah and Kwanzaa, what’s wrong with having ONE DAY for Muslims?
Besides that, apparently the days of Eid change yearly according to the lunar calendar so this was only ONE time when it coincided with, not Christmas, but Thanksgiving weekend!
Is it really that serious?
Again, great job Best Buy!
Many thanks to you all.
Aslaam-o-Alikum,
Many thanks to your kind support to our Nation diverse culture. Regardless of Ethnic Background, Culture & Religion we are one Nation who support & respect each other and celebrate/share happiness and sorrow of our fellow countryman.
May God bless you.
Woodbridge, VA
Thanks, Barry. E-mail me if you have any questions about islam. You are always invited to learn the truth.
Spreading more peace is the answer to this worlds problems!!
Barry,
I commend Best Buy’s decision to recognize and wish happy holidays to Muslims as well this year. I’m someone who usually did not shop at Best Buy but after seeing the ad, I felt a personal connection with Best Buy as if they were trying to reach out to me. I shopped at Best Buy on Friday and will continue as long as great insightful people such as yourself continue to work at Best Buy. All the best.
Barry,
Thank your for reaching out to the muslim community in the US. It’s outstanding!
All the best!
Barry,
I am touched and greatly appriciate the step that you have taken to reach out to the muslim community.
Afjal
I appreciate BB taking this forward step, I hope others will follow.
Thanks Best Buy!
Twitter Comment
Holiday Greetings Messaging – [link to post]
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[link to post] I think its ridiculous how ignorant people are about this.
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Twitter Comment
@hairyt It’s an opinion. BBY CMO addresses the topic on his blog here. [link to post]
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Barry,
The strategy you have chosen makes sense. Some may know that by the year 2010, America’s Muslim population is expected to surpass the Jewish population, making Islam the country’s second-largest faith after Christianity. Given that this trend is being fulfilled and that indeed, Islam is expected to have surpassed Judaism in the U.S, organizations need to consider Muslim consumers and employees when implementing policies, procedures, and programs.
Ford Motor Company, for example, proactively conducted a series of Islam 101 training sessions in Dearborn, Michigan.
An organization’s level of awareness about external layers of diversity can foster positive feelings. I find it problematic that some might continue to issue threats to Best Buy.
I am doing my Masters in organization management, and according to what I have learned, Best Buy is simply establishing the appropriate measures to ensure that there are no barriers to managing diversity. Yes, there will be challenges, and that is why Best Buy cannot use anecdotal evidence to make policy decisions. I commend Best buy for not falling into this trap; many have. Rather, Best Buy should be recognized for its company’s diversity and its inclusion initiatives.
I cannot seem to grasp how one party’s interests are being perceived as blocking another party’s interest. According to the more authentic numbers, there are about 6 to 7 million Muslims in the United States, and they have buying power.
ICNA, one of the largest Islamic organizations supports your effort.
This is a global economy.
We have as a nation increased in our cross-cultural dealings.
I should know, I was born in Brooklyn, NY and I went to Catholic school for over 12 years.
And I am Muslim.
Umber Siddiqi
As a muslim I was very happy to see that Best Buy adopted a policy of acknowledging the Eid holiday alongside the other holidays from different faiths. Thank you for taking this approach and I hope other business follow your lead.
Thanks Best Buy for recognizing the Muslim commuity which makes up a considerable part of the population here in the U.S.A.
Good job Best Buy. I will shop with you even more.
Twitter Comment
From @BestBuyCMO: we thought ”Happy Holidays” was inclusive until customers, employees said otherwise. Positive change. [link to post]
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Best Buy,
I applaud your inclusive efforts. I live in Houston and work at the University of Houston, which is one of the most diverse universities in the nation. We have a holiday display with a Christmas tree, a nativity scene, a Qu’ran, a Mennorah, dreidels and Kwanzaa candles. We have an explanation of the holiday by each. I think it enriches us all to acknowlege the diversity of religions in our country and learn about the traditions of others.
Thank you for being brave, bold, wise and tolerant, not to mention business smart, enough to stick to your beliefs in the face of many negative and intolerant comments.
Many companies all over the world need your opinions on their products. They will send you a simple online survey forms, where you need to fill it out and they pay you money.
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All I can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart
Twitter Comment
@DanBarreiroKFAN germane to your discussion at the moment [link to post]
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Anyone been to Dubai? Last time I was there they wished me Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays! I’ve never even heard of Eid until these Best Buy ads. Good luck with that advertising campaign. You won’t ever see me in your store ever again (which unfortunately was my favorite store).
Thank You BESTBUY! As an American Muslim I just want to say that It’s about time that a well known American Business starts to put Islamic Holidays Etc. for all to see. As I read that Muslims spent 170million this year? thats alot! I alone bought thousands of dollars worth of merch. and sent it out over seas via DHL. another HUGH multi-religious business…ships anything anywhere lol. So…. BESTBUY knows whats right for business and what they did just put them ahead of all other electronic retailers. You know people thiers other religions in America it’s not just Christmas and Hannakah it’s about time America learns about Islamic Religion as well as African American Religions Kawanaza.
Let me get this straight, Rudy. Because a Muslim country showed respect for Christian traditions, you are mad at an American business that shows respect for Islamic traditions? Do you realize how completely illogical you are?
In an age when big business is always looking for a way to stay at the top, it is unfortunate that BB has stooped to a level of choosing to recognize a religion that denounces the very meaning of this season, which is the birth of Jesus. I believe BB could learn a lot from companies such as Chik Filet and Hobby Lobby-major corporations who place Christ first, not any other religion, even to the point of being closed on the Sabbath day, and still yet are very prosperous in their industry.
We appreciate BB’s effort to be inclusive of their customers, rather than exclusive.
Thank you for trying to practice what America likes to preach!
Thanks Best Buy, I was already a customer, yet this is how you keep a customer for life! Feryal Subhani