Written By: Rebecca D'Souza
Lingerie and erotic retailer Ann Summers has landed in hot water over its latest campaign.
Upmarket retailer Marks and Spencer is threatening to take legal action against Ann Summers over its new S&M Squeal Deal advertising campaign, which was due to launch today.
Ann Summers ‘Your S&M Squeal Deal’ mix and match promotion encourages shoppers to pick up ‘any main’ of underwear, ‘any side’ of a sex toy and ‘any dessert’ of lickable goodies for just £29.
The promotion is a direct parody of the Marks and Spencer ‘Your M&S Meal Deal’ campaign. Even the style and colours are the same as those used by M&S.
M&S has failed to see the funny side of the cheeky Ann Summers parody believing the adverts to be entirely offensive.
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"Over the past 127 years, Marks & Spencer has built up a great reputation for quality and trust in the hearts and minds of the British public,” said an M&S spokesperson.
"When we believe these values are being infringed, we do whatever we can to protect our brand and our customers. We therefore are taking legal advice with a view to issuing legal proceedings."
Jacqueline Gold, the Chief Executive of Ann Summers has said that she respects the M&S brand immensely but just wanted to give their iconic advertising campaign a humorous spin off.
The promotional material has now been removed from Ann Summers shops and its online website.
