Email Protest: Target Corp. Subsidiary Sells FCUK Brand Products
Netlore Archive: Email flier criticizes Target Corp. subsidiary Marshall Field's for marketing 'FCUK' brand fragrance and clothing to teenagers
Description: Email flier
Circulating since: Sept. 2003
Status: True
Analysis: See below
Email example contributed by B. Moffitt, 16 Sep 2003:
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Subject: Target store chain void of common decency - September 16, 2003 Very sad! I thought you might want to take a few seconds and respond! A project of the American Family Association Tuesday, September 16, 2003 The Target corporation subsidiary, Marshall Field's, is actively campaigning for your children to purchase a new teen fragrance with a disgusting insinuation. Would you believe Target has approved its Marshall Field's stores to sell a product called FCUK? Target must consider parents really naive to not know exactly what type of message they are "targeting" to our kids. Here's how one mother put it: I didn't see this on television but it was an advertisement insert in last Sunday's newspaper for Marshall Field's dept. store for a cologne and a clothing line aimed at teenagers called "Fcuk" and their advertising slogan to go with it is "scent to bed". I was really appalled at this and then a friend of mine saw huge posters promoting this IN the Marshall Field's store in my area. When she complained to a clerk about it she was referred to a manager who told her the corporate office makes all the decisions about what they advertise. Another mother put it this way: Not only does the name make an obvious grab at the mind to be misspelled as one of the vilest slang words ever used, it also goes further to make its point. A young, attractive, half dressed couple are snuggling on a bed with the words "scent to bed" superimposed over their picture. On the inside where you can pull the flyer apart to see what the product smells like you read "open here to try fcuk her" and "open here to try fcuk him". On the back page is an offer to "get your scent to bed t-shirt". For a major retailer to promote and sell this type of product is reprehensible to me. I hope it is to you too! I think we need to pull out all the stops to let Target know they have crossed the line with our families. Will you join me by making an extra effort in contacting the Target corporation by taking the following actions: 1. Send a letter to Target and Marshall Field's executives by clicking the link below. 2. Call Target's toll-free number and let them know how disgusted you are with their decision to sell FCUK products through their Marshall Field's stores. Their toll free number is 1-800-440-0680, extension 1. Here's a note: You will be told that you are calling Target, not Marshall Field's. Don't be fooled by their attempt to discourage you. Target is responsible for Marshall Field's decision to sell their nasty product! In addition, they may ask for your mailing address. We recommend not giving that information. By doing so, your home might become a target for receiving a promotional mail out for the product. Send your letter now! Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman |
Comments: The information in this email flier (the contents of which originated on the American Family Association's OneMillionDads.com Web site) is substantially correct. As part of its new push to appeal to "hip young urbanites," Marshall Field's, a subsidiary of Target Corp., now carries FCUK (French Connection U.K.) brand products, including "FCUK Him" and "FCUK Her" fragrances as well as youth-oriented casual clothing imprinted with the FCUK logo. According to USA Today, FCUK recently launched a $10 million "Scent to Bed" ad campaign to market its products to young people, with print ads in Teen People and other publications. Retailers like Marshall Field's have run similar promotions.
Whether Marshall Field's/Target Corp. will bow to consumer pressure to discontinue carrying the products remains to be seen. In the Chicago Tribune a Field's spokesperson acknowledged receiving "a few comments from guests" after ads featuring FCUK products were published in major newspapers, but the company has made no further comment to date. Meanwhile, marketing experts note that public condemnation is only likely to make the brand even more desirable to teens.
Sources and further reading:
Target Store Chain Void of Common Decency
OneMillionDads.com (American Family Association)Clothier Swears Name Is Clean Fun
Chicago Tribune, 1 September 2003Teen Fragrance's Titillating PR Push Could Create a Stink
USA Today, 10 September 2003Field's Glams Up Staid Image
NWI Times, 17 August 2003
Last updated: 09/17/03

