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Myer reverses decision to scrap much-loved Christmas windows with COVID safe plan

The much-loved Myer Christmas windows will go ahead after the department store reversed an earlier decision to scrap them due to coronavirus safety concerns.

People view the annual Myer Christmas windows display on Bourke Street in 2018. Picture: Getty
People view the annual Myer Christmas windows display on Bourke Street in 2018. Picture: Getty

The much-loved traditional Myer Christmas windows will go ahead in a reversal of the department store’s earlier decision to scrap them due to safety concerns.

Geoff Ikin, Myer’s Chief Customer Officer, says the City of Melbourne has stepped in to offer support which will help to make the iconic Christmas windows a viable option.

“We’re excited to announce that with the assistance of the City of Melbourne we will be able to provide the experience in a way that is safe for our staff and the community which has always been our foremost priority,” he says.

Shoppers out the front of the Myer Christmas windows in Bourke Street Mall during the festive period in 2013. Picture: iStock.
Shoppers out the front of the Myer Christmas windows in Bourke Street Mall during the festive period in 2013. Picture: iStock.

“Like all Victorian businesses during COVID, we have had to continually adapt and reshape our plans for the upcoming Christmas period, we are now pleased to announce we have been able to work on a solution to deliver the much-loved Myer Christmas Windows this year.

“Now more than ever Victorians need something to celebrate, and we know the Myer Christmas windows brings excitement and joy to so many. We look forward to continuing Myer’s 65-year tradition of bringing the magic of Christmas to life and we’ll be announcing more details in the coming weeks.”

City of Melbourne Deputy Mayor, Arron Wood, confirmed the Bourke Street tradition would go ahead this year, despite shops being closed and the city deserted.

“A Christmas wish for our struggling retailers & a bit of magic for families like us that love this tradition,” Mr Wood said in a post on Twitter.

1980. Christmas windows at Myer. Melbourne.
1980. Christmas windows at Myer. Melbourne.

The theme of this year’s windows, which are often decorated in scenes from children’s books, is said to be “all about Melbourne.”

The windows have been a joy for kids and families across Victoria since 1956.

Each year the famous Christmas windows are inspired by a different children’s story or rhyme. Since the first unveiling in 1956, past themes have included The Nutcracker (1957) and Aladdin (1958), to more recent years featuring Elf’s Journey (2017), Alice in Wonderland (2018) and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie last year.

The annual Melbourne Christmas institution in the Bourke Street Mall is the culmination of 12,000 hours of work from start to finish, with 40 artisans working to bring the animation to life.

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kim.wilson@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/myer-reverses-decision-to-scrap-muchloved-christmas-windows-with-covid-safe-plan/news-story/d28f21515c42462f55d45bfd3b8e970a