Occasional Ramblings

Marks and Spencer ( M&S ) has always been seen as a company of high regard, with one of it's claims to fame being that most British women, including those of limited means, have at some time worn some of their knickers.

But after a recent incident in one of their stores it could be said that they have got their knickers in a twist. At the very least they can now be said to have joined Britain's Political Correctness Club.

The incident that gives them this claim, began with an elderly lady having a day out with her daughter which included a visit to the store in question. In the food department one of the items that the lady bought was a cookie, which she looked forward to having later.

They decided to visit the instore cafe where they had a meal. Rather than buying a cake there to have after the meal the pensioner decided she would have the cookie that she had bought earlier. The problem arose when a member of staff pointed out to the woman that she was not allowed to eat the cookie there as it had been purchased elsewhere. The old lady was confused as to how she could not eat an item that she had bought from the store that she was still in. She was even 'threatened' with the possibility of a heavy fine for doing so. Rather than use common sense ( does such a thing exist in this country anymore? ) security staff were then involved. Not something that was likely to help the demeanor of anyone, particularly an elderly person.

Thankfully the incident passed off without any action being taken but no doubt the company will have lost much valued custom from that lady and her family as well as many others, through the bad publicity.

Obviously the two areas ( shop & cafe ) have different VAT rates but allowing the woman to eat the cookie and then maybe approaching her and pointing out the policy would have meant her and her family still enjoying their day out and the store not losing future custom. But why would they do that? After all that would be using common sense.