Walmart store's 9/11 Coke can display causes uproar online
Twitter user calls tribute 'tasteless'
A Florida Walmart store's display of Coke cans stacked to look like the World Trade Center's twin towers was removed after a social media uproar, the company said Thursday.
A photo of the display was posted on Twitter Tuesday by a user named Online_Shawn.
Florida c'mon man pic.twitter.com/HU4y2rxgFG
— Shawn (@online_shawn) September 6, 2016
The display quickly drew condemnation from social media users.
@online_shawn @JMoneyMC this is one of the lamest things I've ever seen
— Nitro Rad (@NitroRad) September 6, 2016
@online_shawn @Peter_Fries Tasty and utterly tasteless at the same time.
— Ande Pomfrey (@Charrrchimedes) September 6, 2016
Wal-Mart said in a statement the display was removed Wednesday.
"We hold this moment in our country's history in the highest regard, and there was nothing disrespectful intended by the display," it said.
The company said the design for the display for the store in Panama City Beach, Fla., came from the supplier, and was approved by its store management.
The Coca-Cola bottler for the region said the display was meant to honor local firefighters and support an upcoming event for their organization. "We sincerely apologize that anyone was offended or misunderstood its intent, and we have replaced the display," the bottler said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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