"Madam, I do apologise about the grammatical error on your childs pyjams. "
I think I've been here too long. I can't think of an American equivalent to the British retail stores, Marks & Spencer. The best I can come up with, and one must have grown up around Philadelphia and be of a certain age for even this to work, is John Wanamaker's sans organ*.
Staid, conservative and oh so middle class. The bastion of the business and casual clothing for the suburban elite (they are deservedly renowned for their knickers). The company has now lost its way a bit and sales and profits have suffered.
Which brings us to the subject of this post. The stores have recently marketed a set of children’s pyjamas which unfortunately contained a grievous, grammatical error.
Beneath a picture of two giraffes was the legend "Baby Giraffe's" (sic). To give you an idea of just how middle class the average clientele here is a quote from the outraged mother who first complained.
I think I've been here too long. I can't think of an American equivalent to the British retail stores, Marks & Spencer. The best I can come up with, and one must have grown up around Philadelphia and be of a certain age for even this to work, is John Wanamaker's sans organ*.
Staid, conservative and oh so middle class. The bastion of the business and casual clothing for the suburban elite (they are deservedly renowned for their knickers). The company has now lost its way a bit and sales and profits have suffered.
Which brings us to the subject of this post. The stores have recently marketed a set of children’s pyjamas which unfortunately contained a grievous, grammatical error.
Beneath a picture of two giraffes was the legend "Baby Giraffe's" (sic). To give you an idea of just how middle class the average clientele here is a quote from the outraged mother who first complained.
"Surely, they should have people who check things like that." "I do not care to dress my child in a top containing a glaring grammatical gaffe."
After referring the matter to their "childrenswear technologist" a spokesman issued the following statement:
"We apologise for any inconvenience or dissatisfaction Mrs Walker felt with this product which is no longer on sale."
They do take their grammar seriously at M&S. Not that long ago they changed their "6 items or less" checkout signs for ones declaring, more correctly, "6 items or fewer", after receiving customer complaints.
*Note: when I was about 16 I had a friend who was a talented organist. He took me along once to visit the famed Wanamaker organ (the soloist was his teacher). It was quite an impressive instrument and the setting was magical; a small booth overlooking the central shopping floor. Is it still there? I know Wanamaker's closed years ago.)
*Note: when I was about 16 I had a friend who was a talented organist. He took me along once to visit the famed Wanamaker organ (the soloist was his teacher). It was quite an impressive instrument and the setting was magical; a small booth overlooking the central shopping floor. Is it still there? I know Wanamaker's closed years ago.)
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