Sainsbury's commits social faux pas

Sainsbury’s has been left red faced after a staff member stuck up a poster (intended for employees only) suggesting that they encourage customers to spend an extra 50p.   

After spotting the poster in the window of the supermarket, Chris Dodd took to Twitter to highlight the comedy value.

The poster read: “Fifty pence challenge: Let’s encourage every customer to spend an additional 50p during each shopping trip between now and the year end.”

.@sainsburys not sure this is supposed to be in your window… pic.twitter.com/Zk9GCliIWO

— Chris Dodd (@mynameischrisd) September 29, 2014

What followed was a social reaction fit for any brand blunder. Many users adopted the #50pChallenge hashtag. Let Sainsbury’s reaction act as a ‘what not to do’ when interacting with customers on social.

@mynameischrisd Yeah, I don’t think so either. Which store was this? I’ll give them a call. Ross.

— Sainsbury’s (@sainsburys) September 29, 2014

Oh dear Sainsbury’s. Not the best PR response either! #50pChallenge https://t.co/BUxnQiWMbX

— Beccie Stevenson (@BeccieLS) September 30, 2014

#50pChallenge is it ‘all publicity is good publicity’ or just a monumental balls up? @mynameischrisd – thoughts? http://t.co/6QQYSqNbpK

— Stephanie Lowe (@Stephi_Elle) September 30, 2014

As a result of *this* Tweet, I shall now be attempting to spend 50p *less* in @sainsburys » https://t.co/gBHK7OPFOW #50pChallenge

— Owen Williams (@OwsWills) September 30, 2014