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Yesterday, a customer complained on Woolworths' Facebook page, posting an image of an in-store display: black mannequins tied together with rope.
Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha complained that this image was reminiscent of barbaric acts such as slavery, saying it was an insensitive move for the retailer to display this in their store.
The retailer replied swiftly on social media, saying he had a very valid point. Woolies went on to mention the real reason for the display:
"WOOLWORTHS SA Our store installation team have just got back to us, the ropes are supposed to support Christmas baubles and have been used incorrectly. We’re going to rectify the problem as fast as we can. We’re so sorry this caused any distress. Thanks so much for bringing the problem to our attention, we really appreciate it."
The in-store display was incomplete as such.
According to the Woolworths Press Office the in-store mannequins are made of their new recycled material which is why they are grey.
Here is the controversial display:
Image: Facebook
The customer was, however, not satisfied with Woolworths, saying that they should formally apologise:
"Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha Dear Woolies, thanks for the prompt feedback. But you will agree that the issue is beyond my interest and my comment only. How about releasing your apology and your explanation through public media so that when we go to your shops we monitor the resolution of this matter."
Facebook outrage quickly ensued, with comments posted:
"Sue Hoppe Sheesh, I'm an old white lady and even I find this deeply offensive, and I'm sorry but, while one might applaud Woolies for the quick response, I do not for one second believe the explanation, it is an insult to the intelligence of anyone who reads it. Surely whoever came up with this idea, which seems to have been "mistakenly applied" across several shops, could see how demeaning and offensive it looks.I mean please, even if there were baubles on it, what would the message be? Slaves with bling? It is flat-out insulting no matter how they try and spin it."
More comments read:
Image: Facebook
Customers have also taken to Twitter to express their outrage, even using the #WoolworthsMustFall hashtag.
@WOOLWORTHS_SA what's good? #WoolworthsMustFall Are you pro-slavery in this day and age, really? pic.twitter.com/CCSSKuU3yu
— Nqobile Nhlangulela (@IamNqobileh) November 17, 2015
@WOOLWORTHS_SA The portrayal of #woolworths #Slavery display is cruel and unforgettable!! Apology is not good enough #WoolworthsMustFall
— LeFa (@AfroDoveL) November 16, 2015
