The eclectic millennial hipster retailer known for edgy household and clothing items for ultra petite urban chic has pissed off poison control centers, substance abuse groups and attorneys general across the country with its Rx coffee mugs and shot glasses. The coffee mug, a pill bottle with handle, has an Rx label for coffee prescribed by Dr. Harold Feelgood for patient Joe Espresso who is instructed to take one mug by mouth and repeat daily.
On June 14, 2013, Urban Outfitters caved to pressure from the aforementioned groups and pulled the Rx coffee mug and shot glasses off the shelves, yet it remains prominent in its online store (whether it’s for sale, not sure).
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has succeeded in taking down a serious threat to the fight against drug abuse – coffee mugs that look like prescription drug bottles.
Madigan, along with attorneys general from more than 20 other states, sent a on May 22 to Urban Outfitters CEO and Chairman Richard A. Hayne regarding the “controversial” product line his company was selling. The concerned party wrote:
On behalf of the undersigned Attorneys General, we request that Urban Outfitters immediately cease sales of your “Prescription Line” of glasses, coasters, mugs, drink holders and related products that mimic prescription pill bottles and prescription pads.
Why?
Because, as the attorneys general said:
There is a national health crisis related to the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. As Attorneys General, we have prosecuted and engaged in outreach to stop this epidemic. We are actively engaged in a campaign of environmental change to educate the public that abuse of prescription drugs is not safe simply because the medication originated from a doctor. … By putting these highly recognizable labels on your products you are undermining our efforts.
Other items for sale by Urban Outfitters are oriented to the same disestablishmentarianism and push-the-envelope of poor taste promotion of millennial binge-drinking-is cool approach to life.
I’m sure the F-bomb canteen and “drunk as F-bomb” head gear are best sellers at Urban Outfitters. In fact, I’m wondering what percentage of sales Urban Outfitters enjoys from its smarmy snark non-apropos products? I bet the “Coffee Makes Me Poop” mug in brown is popular for ex-husbands’ fathers’ days. And, the pile of goo-like poo in the bottom of a coffee mug should be something bought for the old boyfriend. Seriously, would a guy risk purchasing this stuff for a woman? Talk about the
Or, better yet…
Sensitivity Marketing
Not sure if Sensitivity Marketing is even a discipline; if you put the word “marketing” next to any descriptor, it pretty much works. I do know there is sensitivity training so perhaps that’s what this is about.
Now that Urban Outfitters has had its 10 minutes of negative publicity fame (and really ticked off people from whom you don’t want attention like half the country’s attorneys general), it’s time to act like you’re sorry, stop thumbing your nose at substance abuse advocates and put products back on the shelf that really mean something e.g. Save The Whales, Eradicate Illiteracy, and the like.
Is Urban Outfitters looking for a viral product to infiltrate cultism? Am betting so, but guess what? #FAIL.
Hey Jayme, really interesting issue you raise. As an individual who has loved ones who battle addiction on a daily basis (including pharmaceuticals) I can appreciate the concerns raised. However, I also believe in freedom of speech and think that merchants should have the right to sell goods they choose with words on products. These are after all just words on coffee cups, t-shirts, etc. Do I think they are offensive or inappropriate? I’ll let the court of public opinion decide.
My issue is with hypocrisy shown by the Attorney General (and their friend the Surgeon General). I take more offense to public smokers or that cigarettes are sold near High Schools and Universities. But as long as the tobacco industry has deeper pockets than a niche, kitchy clothing and retail chain they will continue to be able to target and sell products that actual do physical harm to people. Please don’t get me started on the drug companies.
My main issue with Urban Outfitters stems from feeling old whenever I walk through their doors. Granted, this happens rarely.
But what I love is that people such as yourself can speak up and out on issues that concern them, thanks to good old freedom of speech. : )
1ad_dad Dave, what a great comment and I agree with every single thing you said. As I as writing, I was beginning to get on my soap box and edited to remain neutral.
You’re right, about freedoms; however, we’re all slowly suffering from abuses to those freedoms. Why is the mayor of NYC telling people they can’t buy 16oz pop? Wasting taxpayer $$ to fight stupid litigiousness like that pisses me off (and then it’s shot down).
The Rx coffee mug was clever; I think I would’ve stopped there and not done the shot glass though.
This whole situation has two very important sides; the opinion is going to be in the beholder on this one for sure. And, remember “offensiveness” is an emotion. Thanks for coming over!
Huh, the coffee mug does not offend me. Probably because I take a dozen pills a day, every day, ever since I was 3yo. I wish I could get a script for coffee, then insurance would cover it.
I can usually see the other side, so to speak, of any given issue, but I’m not feeling it for the idea of coffee prescription mugs. I think alcohol glasses as rx’s is funny, but I get why that’s a problem.
jennwhinnem Maybe you don’t abuse your Rx? Or, maybe you do and we don’t know it? Heh. Teasing. As said below…it’s another issue/situation with two clear sides of opinion. Will you be offended by this; will you think it’s clever marketing; should state officials and others concern themselves over retail products?
You’re all the judges here, and the opinions you have come from three positions — neutral, supportive or opposing.
In this writing above, I found myself on all the sides; maybe that means I’m more like David 1ad_dad ?
Thanks, Girlfriend!
Soulati | Hybrid PR jennwhinnem 1ad_dad I wonder if it’s ‘sensitivity marketing’ or more like a checklist or something. I know people roll their eyes at what has itself been turned into a dirty phrase – political correctness – but I do think that’s necessary. Aren’t focus groups a part of this process? How did nobody think of this? Or maybe the focus groups were of people who would buy this product, young people, who maybe didn’t think of this? I’m thrown back to one of I think your earliest posts Jayme, about the loud Sunchips bags. How did nobody catch how loud they were?
jennwhinnem Soulati | Hybrid PR 1ad_dad Great question Jenn, I happen to think that the product is dare I say on target for their audience. Some products or brands pride themselves on pushing the limits. Speaking of Target, you would never find such products in their stores. Where as the Urban Outfitter customer is looking to make a statement or standout.
BTW, how loud were those Sunchip bags? No chance sneaking a handfull w/o being discovered. lol.
jennwhinnem Soulati | Hybrid PR 1ad_dad Thanks for recalling that, Jenn! I still remember buying that chip bag and being annoyed with all the racket!
Do you think marketers in this era care much for political correctness when no racial slurs (Ms. Deen) are uttered/printed on packaging? I’d really like to know; the immediacy of reactions prompt support or backlash in social channels and also sales.
Are marketers purposely trying to be “naughtier” so fame and fortune are realized until the hand slap?
1ad_dad jennwhinnem Soulati | Hybrid PR LOL; maybe SunChips should’ve been marketing “lose-weight packaging” b/c any dieter wasn’t taking a chance on sneaking!
I think what we’re all saying is CULTURE MARKETING. There, another cool word AND marketing. If the culture of your brand is urban chic as UF is attempting you’re going to edge it, walk the fine line. If the culture of your brand is Target — upper tier moms you’re gonna play it safer.
Yes or no?
I was not offended by the coffee mug – in fact, I’ve shared the picture…and would have considered purchasing one if I didn’t already have so many completely functional coffee mugs in the house!
As for the F-Bomb stuff, I’m never a fan…just poor taste, but I just choose to not be a consumer of those products. If consumers exist for that product, then suppliers will supply them. If people are offended, they will simply use their freedom of choice to shop elsewhere.
Could we all be more sensitive…you betcha. Do I understand addictions – nope, and I’ve had family members battle addictions. I’ve always had the mindset of “just stop…what’s the big deal” – which just goes to show you I do not understand true addiction.
dbvickery Agree. F-bomb merchandise is not my genre or age group. Would never wear a shirt with it on there; what’s the point? I do litter my speak with frickin this and frickin that. It’s merely an adjective to me that helps emphasize…that’s our generation!
I know where you’re coming from in re addition. However, for people who are predisposed to chemical dependency, usually genetics, the choice to stop is harder for sure.
Hmmm… Interesting debate. I {LOVE} the coffee mug. If I could, I would buy that for my husband in an instant. Like others, I’m not interested in the f-bomb merchandise. We certainly have our fair share or prescription drugs in my family, but no abuse that I’m aware of. Is that why I’m not offended? It’s really pretty impossible to say. If I were American, I think I’d be more offended that the AG was using public money to fight the sale of a coffee mug about how much people love coffee.
anitahovey Hi, Anita. Great point…if people are substance abusers, know someone who is or who work in the field, then I’m sure this type of tchotchke flips to the offensive side of the barometer.
I didn’t find it that offensive either; however, I absolutely would not buy it for someone who is in the aforementioned category!
Americans are litigious, beginning with all the governments at every level. Heck, taxpayers pay taxes; they think they should use it to fight with us.