Christmas window displays have been a treasured feature of the Sydney David Jones store for years, but festive shoppers were left wanting when the classic displays were nowhere to be found.
The revelation became a talking point after Hornsby Heights dad “Phil” spoke on radio 2GB, saying he had searched for the displays to show his seven-year-old daughter, only to be left hanging.
“My mother used to tell me about my grandfather taking her down [to David Jones] when she was a little girl, so this is something that’s been going on for so long,” he told the radio program.
A spokesperson for David Jones told The Epoch Times a decision had been made this year to focus on promoting the brand’s loyalty program mascot—Domino the dalmation—which could be seen in their shopfront.
“We understand how much the Christmas windows mean to many families and appreciate the feedback,” they said.
“This Christmas at David Jones, we’re celebrating ‘A Very Rewarding Christmas’—a season all about the joy of giving, cherishing moments with loved ones, and enjoying the benefits of our new loyalty program.
“To reflect this theme, the Elizabeth Street windows feature Domino the Dalmatian, our symbol of loyalty, brought to life through animation in our campaign.”
The spokesperson said a number of festive initiatives were still going ahead.
“While the windows look different, the Christmas magic continues in-store with the Santa Experience, the Christmas Shop, the David Jones Christmas Choir and our Christmas Shopping Festival on Thursday, 11th December,” they said.
Myer’s Festive Windows
Last year, there was a similar sense of disappointment among shoppers when another major department store, Myer, cancelled its annual Melbourne Christmas window unveiling.
The special ceremony was cancelled after the pro-Palestine group Disrupt Wars threatened to go ahead with its planned “crash the Christmas windows” demonstration, which was later called off.
At the time, a Myer spokesperson said the decision had been made for public safety.
The incident had prompted Premier Jacinta Allan to accuse the protest group of “choosing to politicise Christmas.”
This year, Myer is celebrating its 70th year of Christmas window displays with a special Lego-themed exhibition.
Myer’s official website lists its 2025 Christmas window display as running from Nov. 8 to Jan. 11, but does not list an unveiling ceremony this year.
The Epoch Times contacted Myer for comment.
