David Jones and Disney have announced a partnership for the department store’s 2026 Christmas window display at its Sydney flagship location, which will make its debut later this month. The collaboration celebrates the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s original Winnie-the-Pooh book, drawing inspiration from the character’s search for a Christmas tree in the Hundred Acre Wood, as depicted in Winnie the Pooh: A Tree for Christmas. This marks the first major holiday-themed display since last year, when the retailer faced criticism for promoting loyalty program upgrades instead of seasonal windows during the 2025 season.
The windows also align with the upcoming centenary of the Elizabeth Street store in 2027, a milestone David Jones is actively highlighting. Kate Bergin, the retailer’s chief retail officer, described the display as a cherished Sydney tradition. “We’re delighted to collaborate with Disney to celebrate Winnie the Pooh and 100 years since the publication of A.A. Milne’s original book,” she said. “The stories of Pooh have captivated readers around the world through their enduring themes of friendship, kindness and imagination, values that resonate strongly during the festive season.” Bergin also spotlighted the 2027 centenary of the Elizabeth Street building. “Bringing the Christmas Windows to life in the lead-up to this milestone makes the occasion even more meaningful,” she said.
The official unveiling is scheduled for October 22, launching the store’s holiday programming, including the reopening of Santa’s Workshop and Santa’s arrival. The event aims to attract families, visitors, and tourists to Sydney before the official Christmas season begins. “We look forward to welcoming families, visitors and tourists to Sydney later this month as we officially unveil this year’s Christmas Windows and begin the festive season at David Jones,” Bergin added.
Pallavi Gaur, executive director of Disney Consumer Products for Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the partnership’s significance. “As we celebrate 100 years of Winnie the Pooh, it’s wonderful to reflect on why this much-loved character and friends continue to hold such a special place in the hearts of generations,” she said. “The story is a timeless celebration of friendship, kindness, and imagination. We’re delighted to collaborate with David Jones to bring the magic and wonder of the Hundred Acre Wood to life this festive season across the store, creating special ways for families and fans to share in the joy and nostalgia of Winnie the Pooh.”
The 2026 display arrives amid ongoing operational challenges for David Jones, including supplier payment disputes and reports that major brands are scaling back their presence in the retailer’s stores.
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