Many of us Brits will have shopped at The Range at one time or another as their huge variety of home and garden products are a staple of many UK households. But some customers have been shocked and confused recently after noticing a novelty bottle opener on the shelves which has been branded as 'degrading' and 'sexist' by shoppers.
Faye Scott, 29, from Fulham, first noticed the product after her mum brought it to her attention but she had to see for herself whether it was really a new product. She first thought it must be a much older item given the theme.
The design, which is advertised under the 'funny gifts' section of The Range's website, includes a woman wearing a bikini top that barely covers her breasts and a short skirt - with the bottom cut out so a bottle can be inserted in her rear.
She said: "It's literally objectifying women. It's a bit strange to see that sort of thing. I had to check this was a recent product because it felt like something you'd see in the nineties.
"I looked online and I saw that The Range in particular has had some things removed before. There was a bikini body countdown calendar too. They seemed like quite outdated sexist things.
"I don't expect to go into a shop and see things like that, where you have to shove the bottle into her bum."
Faye has called on the retailer to discontinue the product and is doubting whether she will actually continue to shop there.
This is not the first time The Range has been in hot water over whether they have sold a 'sexist' product as in July 2022, they reportedly vowed to discontinue a bikini body countdown calendar - though this remains live on their website six months later.
She claims this type of product is sending out the wrong messages as to how people might view women and says it might be a small thing but it is dangerous.
"She's meant to be a little temptress and it's quite unsettling to see that they are seemingly popular. They stock items like that that must sell, because they stock them.," Faye said.
"I'm assumed it's aimed at teenage boys. It's not a good message to be promoting. It's subtle. It's not the worst thing I've ever seen said about women or directed towards their bodies but it's the insidious sort of sexism that seeps into the back of your mind.
"The product itself shouldn't be restocked and generally, I think people should think twice about the messages that their products and the words written on them really send. It's perpetuating those everyday moments that are a little bit degrading, every now and again."
The controversial 'Becky Bottle Opener' is currently being sold on The Range's website for £1.99, at a 50% discount.
The Range have declined to comment.
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