Whilst perhaps not famed for their ethical approach to business, the catalogue and online retailer Littlewoods have shown a truly distasteful side with their christmas marketing campaign.  Here is the TV advert:

The initial striking feature is an awfully cringe-worthy song but there are darker elements to the advert.  Targeting families with limited income, Littlewoods promises “to make what’s new affordable right now”.

Tugging at the heartstrings of “mummy” in an already glutinous materialistic culture, Littlewoods are striving to generate that feeling that only the latest x-box or smart phone will do for Christmas.  Pursuing this and offering such easy access to cheap credit is deeply irresponsible.  

They send the message “if you love me mummy you will buy me an x-box for Christmas, if you do not have the money do not worry, Littlewoods provide an easy way into debt!”

Shame on you Littlewoods.