Wal-Mart was blasted by parents after its microsite Toyland, featured elves encouraging kids to take a look at what toys were on the conveyor belt. Kids viewing the site could select what toys they wanted, which would compile a wish list that would be sent to their parents -- completely bypassing and seemingly snubbing the jolly old elf.
Child protection advocates and parents threw fits. The email registration didn't require parental consent. Opponents criticized the site because it encouraged kids to nag their parents and was insensitive to whether parents could afford the toys. Not to mention that it kind of screws up the whole Santa Claus thing.
A terse "no comment" was released by the North Pole Public Relations Deparment in response to Wal Mart's exclusion of Santa Claus at Toyland.
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