Argos sticks up for Playboy
High street retailer Argos will continue to stock controversial Playboy branded homeware goods following WH Smith’s decision to stop stocking stationary featuring the adult entertainment company’s logo.
WH Smith chain announced it was withdrawing the controversial stock prompting jubilation from campaigners who had accused the chain of promoting porn to young girls by carrying the range.
In a statement, Argos says it will continue to offer the range, which includes a stationery set and a single bedding set, because “Playboy is a legitimate and popular brand”, adding it is “careful to ensure that it is not specifically targeted at children in any way.”
However, the store did reveal it had “significantly reduced” the number of Playboy branded products in its current catalogue as “trends in gifting move towards new areas such as activity days.”
WH Smith says its decision to quit selling the range was part of a normal review of stock.
Playboy, which has TV channels and its own retail outlets as well as the magazine, is struggling as a brand and this week reportedly told analysts it was open to offers from a buyer interested in acquiring the entire business. It has just reported a loss of $145.7 million (£102.6 million) for its fourth quarter results.
