Shoe City apologises for "tasteless" magazine ad by Lowe BullShoe City marketing director Louise Hamman today, Wednesday, 8 June 2011, has issued a statement apologising on behalf of the company after receiving complaints yesterday, Tuesday 7 June, via marketing and social media sites about an "offensive" print ad by Lowe Bull for Shoe City, which was labeled as "tasteless", "irresponsible" and "insensitive" by animal lovers. [updated] States Hamman, "I wish to extend my sincere apologies for any offence or emotional distress that was caused by the print advertisement. As a company we value and vigorously support animal rights, as well as the communities we serve, and after becoming aware that the advert had offended some individuals, have taken a number of corrective measures." The advertisement, which was conceptualised and executed by Lowe Bull, appeared in You, Huisgenoot and Drum magazines last month with the tag line "Whatever happens, there's always Shoe City". However, Lowe Bull no long works on the Shoe City account; before the public outcry happened, ninety9cents had been appointed to manage the brand's ATL work. Confirmed actionables The confirmed actionables are:
Consumer outrage occurred yesterday on Bizcommunity.com, Twitter and Facebook after Lindsay Grubb's opinion piece How to lose your customers in three easy steps was published here on Bizcommunity. Shoe City is currently in the process of apologising to wall comments on its Facebook page. For more:
Updated at 2.32pm on 8 June 2011. |