If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” then you might remember the scene where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) takes his family on a shopping trip to Walmart. But have you ever wondered what Walmart was actually like during the filming of the movie? Let’s take a closer look.
The Filming Location
First, it’s important to note that the Walmart featured in Christmas Vacation wasn’t actually a real Walmart. The filmmakers used an empty storefront in a former Target location in Woodland Hills, California. They transformed the space into a convincing Walmart store for the film.
The Set Design
To make the store look authentic, set designer Stephen Marsh worked closely with Walmart representatives to ensure that everything from the signs to the products on the shelves looked accurate. According to Marsh, they even brought in real Walmart employees to help stock the shelves and create an authentic shopping experience.
The Scene
In the movie, Clark and his family enter Walmart with big plans for their Christmas shopping. However, they quickly become overwhelmed by the chaos of holiday shoppers and can’t seem to find anything they need. The scene is filled with comedic moments as Clark tries to navigate through crowds of people and ends up getting into a fight with another customer over a toy.
Why Was Walmart Chosen?
Walmart was chosen as a filming location for several reasons. First, it was one of the largest retailers in America at the time and therefore made sense as a destination for holiday shopping. Additionally, it was known for its low prices and wide selection of products, which fit well with Clark’s frugal character.
The Impact
The scene at Walmart has become one of the most memorable moments from Christmas Vacation and has helped solidify Walmart’s place in popular culture. In fact, Walmart still sells merchandise featuring the movie’s characters and quotes to this day.
- Fun Fact: The store in Christmas Vacation was actually called “Wally World,” which is a nod to the fictional theme park of the same name in the first National Lampoon’s Vacation movie.
- Another Fun Fact: The store may have been fake, but the chaos of holiday shopping depicted in the scene was all too real. In fact, it’s rumored that some Walmart stores have banned the movie from being played during holiday shopping season because it hits a little too close to home for their employees.
Conclusion
While Walmart in Christmas Vacation wasn’t a real store, it has become an iconic part of the film and has helped cement Walmart’s place in popular culture. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for some holiday shopping inspiration, it’s clear that Walmart played an important role in making Christmas Vacation the classic film that it is today.