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BLUE RIDGE, Ga. — A Walmart greeter in Georgia was surprised when a manager at his store told him to stop saying “Have a blessed day” to customers.

WAGA-TV reported James Phillips told them, “Many people come to this store and tell me how glad they are that I say that.”

Word quickly spread when people notices Phillips not using his usual phrase.

Not only did people contact the store manager, they contacted Walmart corporate and the media.

In a written statement to WAGA-TV, Walmart said: “The manager relayed the customers concerns with his greeting. Management also reiterated with our associate this morning that he is welcome to share his greeting with our customers.”

Phillips is thrilled, “I’ll say, ‘Welcome to Walmart. May you have a blessed day and I appreciate your business.”