Next pull 'offensive' Pan Am jumper from sale after Lockerbie petition
High Street Retailer Next has apologised for any offence they've caused.
A retailer has been forced to pull one of their clothing items from sale after backlash, with a petitioner calling the choice to produce it in the first place an insensitivity towards a grave matter.
Popular High Street retailers Next have pulled the sale of a Pan Am branded Christmas jumper after people from Lockerbie said it was offensive to those killed in the 1988 bombing.
The petition was started by Lockerbie man Phil Geddes.
He wrote in his petition: “As a resident of the town at the time of the Lockerbie bombing, an event that has left an indelible mark on the lives of many, hundreds of people. It is with this personal experience that I raise my voice against a product currently being sold by Next. This item, in its design or message, is offensive and disrespectful to those affected by this tragic event.
The Lockerbie bombing was one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in history, claiming 270 lives. The pain and trauma it caused is still felt today by countless individuals around the world. To see a product that makes light of such a tragedy or uses it for commercial gain is not only insensitive but also deeply hurtful.
Next prides itself on being sensitive to its customers' needs and values (Source: Next's Corporate Responsibility Report). However, continuing to sell this item contradicts these values. We urge Next to uphold their commitment to respect and empathy by removing this offensive item from sale immediately.
Please join me in signing this petition. Let us show Next that we will not stand for insensitivity towards such grave matters.
In a statement a Next spokesperson said: "In response to customer contact, NEXT removed the ‘ALL + EVERY’ third-party branded items from its marketplace over the weekend. We apologise for any upset caused."