Poundstretcher sparks fury over ‘appalling’ £3 BBQ advert
POUNDSTRETCHER has sparked fury over what has been dubbed a “horrible” £3 barbecue advertisement.
The discount giant has posted its disposable baked goods all over social media – suggesting the disposable grill would be great for taking on summer adventures.
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Inexpensive, portable ovens have come under criticism in recent years with some stores even banning them.
Grills have been implicated in horrific beach crashes and devastating grass fires on wasteland.
That’s why the value store’s latest advertisement saw an explosion and the British were quick to criticize Poundstretcher for promoting such products.
The discount giant posted the ad to Twitter on Friday – along with snaps of the barbecues.
The post reads: “Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or hiking through the hills, our disposable grills are a great way to cook up your food.
“Get a Medium BBQ for just £3 or a Large for just £5.50!”
South Yorkshire Fire Service was quick to slam the ad.
It reads: “No, that’s not a great way to cook your food ‘walking through the hills’.”
Poundstretcher has since been deleted while offering “sincere apologies”.
But the social media user’s Tweet remains – blowing up the post.
One said: “When are you going to stop selling these horrible disposable BBQ grills…they are causing irreparable damage to our countryside and moors.”
Another posted: “No, not really. That’s a great way to start a fire.”
While another added: “It’s a shame you’d suggest using these while walking the hills – disaster awaits beyond littering when this thing is left on the hillside.”
Poundstretcher today admitted they used “poor choice” of words in the Twitter post.
It said: “We sincerely apologize for our misjudgment and deeply regret posting this insensitive notice.
“We made the wrong choice when it came to ‘walking the hills’ with this product.”
When are you going to stop selling these horrible disposable BBQs…they are causing irreparable damage to our countryside and moors.
Twitter users
Poundstretcher said it has now removed any posts promoting barbecues – while also claiming that it takes “all precautions” regarding customers and the environment.
It added: “Our disposable baked goods include clear instructions and warning statements on the packaging to ensure products are being used safely and responsibly.
“Once again, we would like to apologize and we promise to continue to do better.”
Last summer, major retailers including Aldi and Morrisons made the decision to limit and even ban the sale of disposable barbecue grills – and will do the same this summer.
However, Tesco, Co-op and Asda have confirmed that they will be selling disposable baked goods this year.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said it was working with supermarkets to create guidelines on the “safe sale and supply of disposable ovens”.
“Disposable barbecue grills are a great way for people to enjoy summer outdoors,” said Adrian Simpson, product policy advisor at BRC.
“However, it is extremely important that users realize that these must be used responsibly, follow the directions on the packaging, and ensure that they dispose of them properly.”