12:30pm Tuesday 8th December 2009
A CHURCH leader has blasted Ann Summer's advertising slogans in the run up to Christmas, branding them 'offensive to Christians'.
The Ann Summers store on Grainger Street, Newcastle, uses the mottos: "Have a horny Christmas' and 'Merry XXXmas' to advertise its sex toys and underwear.
The Very Rev Chris Dalliston, Dean of Newcastle, said the commercialisation of Christmas should not come at the expense of its true meaning.
Mr Dalliston, of the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas in Newcastle, said: "Without wanting to be a killjoy, my feeling is that it is insensitive, at best uncomfortable, and at worst a crass marketing slogan.
"Many people see Chrismas as a sacred and special festival.
"That isn't to say ordinary fun and human enjoyment shouldn't be part of it, but people need to be sensitive to the feelings not just of the Church, but of the many people for whom Christmas is an important part of their relationship with God.
"One has to accept this is a time of year which is of great importance commercially.
"But it is about having awareness of the spiritual significance of Christmas as a celebration of Christ's birth.
"Let's not throw the Christ child out with the bath water."
Newcastle City Council received a complaint about the display, but chiefs say although they have deemed it 'inappropriate' they have no powers to force the shop to take it down.
Last night the boss of Ann Summers said she would investigate the complaint - but also pointed out that the company was proud of it's marketing campaign.
Jacqueline Gold, Chief Executive at Ann Summers. said: "Our festive campaign was designed to put our customers in the Christmas spirit, with a model accessorising our lingerie with a pair of reindeer horns.
"The accompanying slogan is a light-hearted play on words, which if questioned by children, can be explained by the fact the horns are being worn, after all Rudolph plays a large part at Christmas time."
Matt King, who passes Ann Summers every day on his way to work at Newcastle University, contacted his local councillor, Nick Forbes, to raise his concerns about the window display and to ask him to take it up with the council.
Mr King said: "I think it brings a highly sexual language to the high street.
"Everyone who can read, whether they are four years old or 80, is being wished this message, which they may not want.
"I would have thought the council would be concerned that this would end up being a seedy end of town as a result."
Coun Forbes said: "I can see how this would be extremely offensive to Christians at this special time of year.
"I would have thought that sex shops would be aware of the potential offence they could cause and I would urge them to stop using the slogan immediately.
A council spokesman said: "We have received a complaint about this window display.
"It is in poor taste and inappropriate in a main shopping street, but we have no powers to make the shop owners take it down."
Jacqueline Gold, added: "I apologise that I cannot make this statement in person, however, I would like to take this opportunity to speak to our customers and those concerned about our window slogan.
"We are proud of our tongue-in-cheek window and marketing messages, designed to make our customers smile.
"We aim to offer women the opportunity to feel sexy and have fun.
"One or two questions have been raised about our new Christmas windows and we are listening to feedback from our customers and staff to ensure that we achieve the right balance.
"We value customers' opinions and we will always investigate any complaints, however few and far between."
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