DIY retailer B&Q has apologised after two books titled ‘White Supremacy’ appeared on one of its product listing pages in a creative showcasing a wooden radiator cover.
In the photo, which was listed on the DIY retailer‘s website, the creative displayed an Aica radiator cover in which White Supremacy titled books are stacked near a picture frame and a vase.
A customer spotted the offensive images while browsing for radiator covers, and explained the creatives left him stunned.
He told Doncaster Free Press: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There, right in the middle of the B&Q website were these books with ‘White Supremacy’ written down the side.”
The images received backlash on social media after users seem incredulous that the books, which featured the offensive title in large bold font along its spine, were not picked up by the retailer’s screening process.
Uhhh B&Q can you explain why you have a product picture featuring two books that say “white supremacy”???? @BandQ pic.twitter.com/5Bh25xSP3D
— professional moron (@absolutemadma15) August 10, 2023
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“How was this actually missed? I am certain that this went through several departments/teams and dept heads before being signed off,” one user wrote on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, “I for one will take my business elsewhere.”
Another X user commented: “Uhhh B&Q can you explain why you have a product picture featuring two books that say ‘white supremacy’????”
One user, Esheru, added: “Who are you trying to kid @BandQ? Deeply apologetic really doesn’t cut it!”, while another simply called the advert “absolutely abhorrent”.
In response, B&Q “deeply” apologised for “the offence this may have caused”.
Keen to point out the product was from a third-party seller, the retailer added: “B&Q is committed to creating an inclusive place for our colleagues to work and our customers to shop, and in this instance, this product was not picked up by our screening process.
“We are actively reviewing our screening process to prevent this happening again, as we are committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive online environment.”
The advert has been removed both from the retailer and Aica’s website.
