Sales slip-ups which left major high street retailers embarrassed and apologetic

PRIMARK is not the first high street chain to face allegations that its products were encouraging the sexualisation of young girls.

In 2006, supermarket giant Tesco agreed to remove a home pole-dancing set from the toys and games section of its website.

The 49.97 Peekaboo Pole Dancing kit included an extendable pole, frilly garter, a DVD to demonstrate sexy dance moves and fake money to reward budding dancers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In 2008, Tesco was criticised again for selling a padded bra alongside vests in the children's clothing section.

Tesco said: "There are training bras of this type sold in every clothes retailer on the high street and there have been for years. Far from enhancing breasts or sexualising young girls, this product is designed to protect girls' modesty at the sensitive time when they are developing."

Disney apologised last year after children's knickers bearing the slogan "Dive In" went on sale in the UK.

The underwear, sold as part of a pack of five by Asda, used the swimming pool theme of the film High School Musical 2.

A Disney spokeswoman said that using the text on underwear was "a genuine oversight".

WH Smith announced last year that it was withdrawing Playboy stationery, including a pencil case featuring the adult brand's famous bunny logo.

The chain said it was part of a review of its fashion stationery and would not be drawn on whether criticism about the items being sold to children had affected its decision.

Related topics: