Lush Cosmetics have today announced that they are suspending their controversial ‘Spy Cops’ campaign, which has caused uproar this week, for the safety of their staff.
The initiative featured window displays with images claiming Police were ‘paid to lie,’ mock Police tape stating ‘Police have crossed the line’ and a hard-hitting video which begins with a seemingly happy couple having dinner and looking very much in love, before the scene switches to the couple sitting across a table at a Police station where the man is revealed as working undercover.
To a huge number of people, this appeared to be criticising the Police rather than highlighting the issue of women being tricked into relationships by undercover officers, as was Lush’s intention.
The campaign certainly put the issue firmly in the public eye, but largely (and sadly) for the wrong reasons; with people demanding a boycott of Lush stores and the company receiving a slating on social media.
Thousands of people made their feelings clear by leaving heartfelt 1* reviews on the company’s Facebook page, and others took to Twitter to encourage the disposal of Lush products using the hashtag #FlushLush.
The Police Federations representing England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland joined forces to write an open letter to the Advertising Standards Authority, asking them to take action. News items on the England and Wales Police Federation website call the campaign ‘damaging and distasteful’ with Chair Calum McLeod saying: “The Lush advertising campaign is offensive, disgusting and an insult to the hard work, professionalism and dedication of police officers throughout the UK.’”
I had a little poke around some of their competitor’s websites and social media channels and not many have tried to gain from Lush’s misfortune, but this post from Poundland was a clever and brave dig:
My thoughts
There have always been plenty of reasons for people to admire and shop at Lush. Their environmentally friendly values and the way they aren't afraid to tackle issues really strike a chord with people who share similar beliefs - but have they gone a step too far, and what will they do to recover? Call me old-fashioned, I’m sure an apology for any offence caused would be a good starting point to win back the support of their customers.