Job requirement to watch 50 Shades of Grey

jimd2

So employees of B&Q are being given copies of the book 50 Shades of Grey and encouraged to watch the film.

Really, what is the world coming to?

http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/bandqs-expecting-a-spike-in-rope-sales-because-of-fifty-shades-of-grey-311748.html

STAFF BRIEFING

PREPARATION FOR FIFTY SHADES OF GREY CUSTOMER QUERIES

OVERVIEW

Following the film release of Fifty Shades of Grey, B&Q employees may encounter increased customer product queries relating to rope, cable ties and masking or duck tape. Store Managers should anticipate the need for extra stock and store staff should read the following brief to prepare them to handle potentially sensitive customer questions.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

On Saturday 14th February 2015 popular erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey will be released as a film and is expected to do well in the Box Office. Written by E.L. James, the story follows the relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young, successful business man, Christian Grey, who introduces her to the world of bondage and dominant/submissive sexual role play.

Preview footage depicts a notable scene from the book where Christian Grey visits a hardware store to purchase rope, cable ties and tape. Rather than bought for home improvement purposes, these products are intended to fulfil Mr Grey's unconventional sexual pursuits.

WHY DOES IT AFFECT US?

As the UK's leading DIY store, we stock many of the products featured in this notable scene and then used later in the film. When the book was released in 2012 DIY and hardware stores in the UK and US reported increased demand of certain products and queries from customers as they tried to recreate their own 'Fifty Shades' experiences. We need to be prepared for the same effect when the film is released this month.

B&Q'S POLICY

It is always B&Q's policy that products should only be used for their designed purposes. Nevertheless, all staff should read this briefing notice to prepare for potentially sensitive customer enquiries and managers need to be aware of the implications that the film may have on stock levels.

STAFF BRIEFING

All staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the content of Fifty Shades of Grey by reading the novel or watching the film upon its release. Copies of the book will be delivered to each store and can be lent to staff on a one week basis. Understanding the storyline and how some products that B&Q stock feature in the film will better prepare staff for incoming queries.

Queries may be unusual and sensitive in nature but staff are reminded of B&Q's commitment to assist customers in a polite, helpful and respectful manner. A level of discretion is also advised.

Store managers are requested to monitor stock levels of rope, cable ties, masking tape and duck tape to ensure that supplies do not run low. Fifty Shades of Grey is released in cinemas on Saturday 14th February 2015 and the busiest sales periods for these products are expected to run from Sunday 15th February to Sunday 1st March 2015 with a focus on weekend trading.

The date for the DVD and home entertainment release of Fifty Shades of Grey is yet to be confirmed but a second briefing may be issued closer to that time.

STAFF ARE ASKED TO KEEP THE CONTENTS OF THIS BRIEFING WITHIN THE COMPANY.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS RELATING TO THE CONTENTS OF THIS BRIEFING PLEASE SPEAK TO YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER.

jamesbere

So will it be called BDSM&Q now.

seamus

jimd2 wrote: »

So employees of B&Q are being given copies of the book 50 Shades of Grey and encouraged to watch the film.

Really, what is the world coming to?

Seems like a pretty good idea by B&Q management to me. They believe there will be a genuine increase in the number of enquiries relating to something, therefore they're asking their staff become more familiar with it.

Gatling

Hardly a job requirement

knucklehead6

It's a great publicity stunt by them.

Frynge

Someone broke the first rule of b&q's preparation for release of fifty shades of grey.

Duggy747

"Excuse me, where do you keep your Black & Decker chainsaws and are they compatible with mounting a 16 inch Series 2 Excavator dildo onto it's motor?"

razorblunt

Well they often wear wellies in those shops, they wouldn't have to change before they head to cinema.
May need some flood pants.

cml387

Watch out for when they re-release The Passion Of The Christ

"B&Q wish to alert staff to the requirement to restock wooden planks and nails over the next few days...."

Custardpi

Wonder if they sent round similar memos when films like Shallow Grave or American Psycho were released? Did Breaking Bad illicit any unusual queries

(is this bathtub acid resistant?)

?

spiralism

jimd2 wrote: »

So employees of B&Q are being given copies of the book 50 Shades of Grey and encouraged to watch the film.

Really, what is the world coming to?

http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/bandqs-expecting-a-spike-in-rope-sales-because-of-fifty-shades-of-grey-311748.html

STAFF BRIEFING

PREPARATION FOR FIFTY SHADES OF GREY CUSTOMER QUERIES

OVERVIEW

Following the film release of Fifty Shades of Grey, B&Q employees may encounter increased customer product queries relating to rope, cable ties and masking or duck tape. Store Managers should anticipate the need for extra stock and store staff should read the following brief to prepare them to handle potentially sensitive customer questions.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

On Saturday 14th February 2015 popular erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey will be released as a film and is expected to do well in the Box Office. Written by E.L. James, the story follows the relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young, successful business man, Christian Grey, who introduces her to the world of bondage and dominant/submissive sexual role play.

As well as stalking, abuse and manipulation too. Will they start selling tracking devices for phones and cars as well in case your missus tries to escape?

"Alaska is very cold and no place to run. I would find you. I can track your cell phone - remember?"

That's in 50 shades so it "sexy" now too, right?

Or how about this in a part where she had refused him:

"If you struggle, I'll tie your feet, too. If you make a noise, Anastasia, I will gag you. Keep quiet. Katherine is probably outside listening, right now."

So maybe their supplies can be used for rape too!

jamesbere

cml387 wrote: »

Watch out for when they re-release The Passion Of The Christ

"B&Q wish to alert staff to the requirement to restock wooden planks and nails over the next few days...."

Lets hope they don't re-release the Texas chainsaw massacre :pac:

Dog of Tears

Bear in mind that the next time you purchase duct tape or cable ties in B&Q you'll be getting a knowing smile from staff.

smoking_kills

jimd2 wrote: »

So employees of B&Q are being given copies of the book 50 Shades of Grey and encouraged to watch the film.

Really, what is the world coming to?

50 shades of gray.....

jamesbere

smoking_kills wrote: »

50 shades of gray.....

Day Lewin

if this is true, and not a bizarre sales stunt, then they seriously ought to stock up on scissors and wire cutters too. Cable ties and duck-tape are NOT safe or suitable for bdsm use and the first law of bdsm is consent

"SAFE, sane, consensual"

So rope should never be used without a safe scissors nearby at the ready in case of dangerous constriction occurring.

Anyone who looks up "bondage+rope+safety" on the internet can easily find this out, and plenty more. ;-)