Walmart's 9/11-Themed Coke Display Is Capitalism At Its Worst

Sigh.

Walmart is likely hoping that everyone will forget an ill-conceived Sept. 11-themed Coca-Cola display that recently appeared at a store in Panama City Beach, Florida.

When Twitter user @online_shawn posted an image of the setup on Wednesday, complete with Twin Towers constructed out of Coke Zero boxes, the internet reacted about how you’d expect.

Walmart spokesman Charles Crowson confirmed to The Huffington Post that the display was no hoax, but said the company had no bad intentions.

“We hold this moment in our country’s history in the highest regard, and there was nothing disrespectful intended by the display being assembled,” an official Walmart statement read. “It was removed from our Florida store Wednesday.”

Crowson also said the display only appeared in one store.

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Before You Go

7 Discontinued Sodas That Now Cost A Fortune
Surge ($250 and $99.99)(01 of07)
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We can't get over the market for unopened Surge products, which were produced between 1996 and 2002. A recent eBay search yielded a 20 oz. bottle going for $250 and a 12 oz. can for $99.99. Let caffeine enthusiasts everywhere rejoice! (credit:eBay: leaddadtexas)
Josta ($250)(02 of07)
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Josta, a "high-energy drink" with guaraná and caffeine from Pepsi, appeared on shelves in 1995 and all-but disappeared by 1999, but it lives on online -- for the bargain price of $250. (credit:eBay: leaddadtexas)
Vault ($130)(03 of07)
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Vault was likely an elementary school teacher's worst nightmare. It picked up where Surge left off -- it was, after all, made with many of the same ingredients. Its tagline, "Drinks like a Soda, Kicks like an Energy Drink," probably didn't help much either. Relive your hopped-up memories of sugar-addled childhood with two 12-can soda packs for the starting bid of $130. (credit:eBay: hadassahmae)
Crystal Pepsi ($125)(04 of07)
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Crystal Pepsi graced the American market between 1992 and 1993. A 16 oz. bottle of the caffeine-free cola now goes for a whopping $125 on eBay. (credit:eBay: derekjeter_is_god)
Hubba Bubba ($29.99)(05 of07)
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We're pretty sure Hubba Bubba bubble gum-flavored soda was discontinued in the early '90s after being enjoyed by absolutely no one. You can, however, get a can of it for $29.99. (credit:eBay: goranmack)
Pepsi Tropical Chill And Pepsi Strawberry Burst ($39.99)(06 of07)
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Available for a brief time in some test markets in 1991, Pepsi Tropical Chill and Pepsi Strawberry Burst didn't quite make the cut. But, that isn't stopping someone from selling a can of each for $39.99. (credit:eBay: backinthedaychoppers)
Orbitz ($29.99)(07 of07)
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Remember Orbitz soda? The drink, which featured small edible floating balls, made its debut in 1997 and disappeared soon after.You can get three unopened bottles on eBay for $29.99. (credit:eBay: vbarb2011)