Ann Summers’ Squeal Deal ruffles M&S feathers
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Marks & Spencer has threatened Ann Summers with legal action for adapting its “Your M&S” logo and slogan for a promotional deal on lingerie, sex toys and lickable lubrication.
The S&M Squeal Deal sales promotion apes the M&S £10 Meal Deal and offers “an exciting combination of treats to brighten your bank holiday”. The £29 includes a “main” item, a “side” and a “dessert”.
The packaging draws on the M&S brand colours and has launched around the same time that M&S would usually launch its own special occasion promotions for the upcoming bank holidays and Royal Wedding.
It also includes a play on the retailer’s former slogan with the words: “It’s not just sex, it’s Ann Summers sex”.
A Marks & Spencer spokesperson says: “Over the last 127 years Marks & Spencer has built up a great reputation for quality and trust in the hearts and minds of the British public. 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.”
Ann Summers was unable to comment at the time of writing.
Readers' comments (3)
elitekissagrams | Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:23 pm
That is interesting, i got the head bitten off me before from ann summers reps for putting the words ann summers on my website, http://www.elitekissagrams.com
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clare amanda sutton | Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:42 pm
i think ann summers were taking generic conventions of adverts that have been copied many times before, to make a fun advertisment for the weekend! a few other companies including Tesco have also mocked the cheesiness of Marks ad! if anything it promots both brands! Ann Summers are well known for quality goods, this campaign would have hightened both brands and added an air of humour to the advertising week ahead! Its a shame that M&S cant see the benefits this ad could have provied
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Anonymous | Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:49 am
omg, ann summers is like so fantastic, but on the other hand , ridiculously controversial.
LOL
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