Iceland has announced that all mums will be banned from entering its supermarkets across the UK this Sunday.
“That’s why mums go to Iceland”… or this Mother’s Day, that’s why they don’t.
The budget supermarket has been known nationwide for its popular marketing slogan and catchphrase – which was mostly made famous by Warrington’s-own Kerry Katona on its 2000s TV adverts – but for one day only, this Sunday on Mother’s Day, the retailer is flipping that phrase on its head, and is, instead, banning all matriarchs from its stores.
Mums will be prevented from entering all Iceland and Food Warehouse stores across the UK this Sunday 10 March, with the supermarket encouraging them to “put their feet up” instead.
Announcing the so-called ‘ban’ on its official social media platforms yesterday, Iceland wrote: “It’s a fact that mums go to Iceland, however for one day only, we’re asking that they don’t go to Iceland. Sunday 10 March is Mother’s Day, and we don’t want any mums visiting our Iceland or The Food Warehouse stores.
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“Instead, we want those icons that should be celebrated this Sunday to put their feet up.”
Despite the Mother’s Day ‘ban’ – which is set to be lifted on the morning of Monday 11 March – the supermarket did add one small caveat at the end of its order to mums: “Having said that, if you need some emergency Yorkshire puddings, you’ve ran out of toilet roll, or you want to treat yourself to a tub of ice cream, we’ll let you in for a couple of minutes…”
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Icleand bosses say the one-day ‘ban’ is being introduced to “deter hero mothering figures” from shopping on what should be a day they are “celebrated and treated like royalty”.
“We know how important mums are and we know that mum’s shop at Iceland,” admitted Richard Walker, who is the Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, “but this Mother’s Day, for one day only, we’re asking that they don’t.
“Instead, send your loved ones, or alternatively, put it off till Monday.”
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Iceland is banning mums from its UK supermarkets on Mother’s Day / Credit: Iceland
While many have seen the comical side of Iceland’s one-day-only themed stunt, and have viewed it only in good nature, others on social media have been a little more critical and have pointed out its lack of inclusivity when looked at it on the flip side.
Suggesting the retailer should take the post down, one person commented in response to Iceland on Instagram: “This isn’t going to land well. Mum’s who’ve lost babies? Single mums? Mums who work in your store? Working single dads can come then, even though they do it all already? Families without mums? Same sex families? Oh I could go on.”
Another critical commenter wrote: “What if they need food and they’re a single mum with a kid under 18 and there’s only them who can do the shopping? Good thinking Iceland.”
The retailer is encouraging mums to “put their feet up instead” during the one-day ban / Credit: Iceland
“Nice idea, but sadly so many flaws to it too,” a third wrote simply.
To counteract the critiques, others have defended the supermarket and emphasised that they see it for the “joke it is”.
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“People need to learn to take a joke,” one commenter wrote on Instagram, while another said: “It’s tongue in cheek guys! Calm down and take it as that… jeez, some people love drama,” and a third wrote: “People have forgotten how to have fun and laugh”.
Despite the mixed response, and given the fact that it’s highly likely that it was intended as a marketing stunt and nothing more, Iceland doesn’t seem to be backing down from the move or retracting its statement.
Featured Image – Iceland
Shopping
Festive Grinch-themed cafes to pop up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores
Emily Sergeant
Festive Grinch-themed cafes are popping up inside two of Primark’s biggest Greater Manchester stores in the run-up to Christmas.
As the temperatures turn colder by the day, the nights draw in, and the most wonderful time of the year nears closer and closer, it won’t be long before it’s time to snuggle up in our comfies and pop on the first Christmas film of the year – and for some of us, there’s a good chance that first film of choice will be The Grinch.
Whether you prefer the 2000 fantasy comedy starring Jim Carey, or the 2018 animated reboot with Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s undoubtedly a real family favourite.
To celebrate everyone’s favourite grumpy green grouch, Primark has teamed up with Dr. Seuss once again on a Grinch-tastic collaboration.
Festive Grinch-themed cafes have popped up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores / Credit: Supplied
Shoppers can now head to their nearest Primark store to find the largest-ever Grinch collection, with something for the whole family, as well as great gifting options said to be “ideal for getting into the anti-Christmas spirit”.
There’s Grinch pyjamas and slippers for both adults and kids, a Grinch ‘Onesie’ that’s sure to make people green with envy, Grinch drinks cups and mugs, a selection of loungewear and Christmas jumpers for festive dressing, and so much more, as well as whole host of Grinch-inspired outfits and toys for your four-legged friends too.
As part of Primark’s aim to offer affordable choices for everyone, prices for the Grinch collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £24 for adult clothing.
If the return of the Grinch collection wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the all-new Grinch cafes – which are popping up in Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo – are bound to be hit with fans of the furry character.
There’s everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.
With Greater Manchester Grinch cafes set to be open until the end of December, Sarah Jackson – who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “We’re so excited to roll out our amazing cafe experience across a number of our UK locations, bringing a sprinkle of mischief to our customers this festive season.
“Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or stocking up on pyjamas and gifts for the whole family, we have everything you need to make it a truly unforgettable Grinch-mas.”
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
UK supermarkets urge public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’
Emily Sergeant
UK supermarkets are calling on the public for donations as foodbanks brace for a “tough Christmas”.
As the nights begin to draw in, the temperatures drop by the day, and the festive season nears closer, some shocking new research by Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas – with 80% of foodbanks reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children, as well as the elderly.
Because of this, many foodbanks fear they will not have enough supplies to support their communities throughout the festive season.
On top of this, almost a third of foodbanks have reported difficulties in recruiting volunteers too.
With only a few weeks to go until Christmas is here, Aldi is among the UK supermarkets calling on its shoppers to help make a difference, by releasing a list of the most in-demand items for donation – with tinned food, festive treats, and breakfast cereals being near the top of the list.
UK supermarkets are urging the public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’ / Credit: Aldi UK
Other items on the list include tea and coffee, juices and soft drinks, rice and pasta, cooking sauces, condiments, UHT milk and more, as well as pet food and non food-related items like toiletries, cleaning products, and children’s toys.
Shoppers can donate items via the community donation points placed near exit points of Aldi stores nationwide, before they will then be distributed to good causes.
The supermarket is pledging to donate more than a million meals to local charities, community groups, and foodbanks across the UK.
“Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need,” explained Luke Emery, who is the National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK.
“We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th March 2024 
