In what we have to admit is a rather unusual turn of events, customers called the company out for selling ethnic minority dolls at £10 cheaper than their white equivalent.
The store stocks three dolls from the Corolle Calin range, with the white ‘MARIA’ doll retailing at £34.99, and the black ‘NAIMA’ and Asian 'YANG' dolls on sale for £24.99.
A 32-year-old mother first drew attention to the price difference while shopping for a doll for her two-year-old daughter, accusing the company of racism over the price leap between the dolls.
According to The Mirror, the woman – referred to as Mrs O’Reilly – said: “It’s unacceptable for children to think white is better or more desirable. It’s wrong for our youngster to grow up thinking non-white skin colours are worth less.”
She proceeded to write a letter to the company, outlining her concerns, with the retailer responding to brand the move as a ‘genuine online pricing error’.
In a statement released following the incident, Argos said: “As a responsible retailer, Argos strongly refutes any suggestion of discrimination with the pricing of the Corolle Calin dolls. A genuine online pricing error led to one of the dolls being advertised at an incorrect price.”
They went on to issue an apology, assuring those concerned that the pricing discrepancy was being fixed.
