DIY stores ready for kinky ‘Fifty Shades’ customers

LONDON, United Kingdom – A British chain of DIY stores has told staff to prepare for customers looking for ropes, plastic cable ties and tape after seeing the erotic film Fifty Shades of Grey, British newspapers reported on Tuesday, February 9. 

A leaked memo from B&Q stores entitled “Preparation for Fifty Shades of Grey Customer Queries” told its 20,000 plus workforce that copies of the sado-masochistic erotic novel would be delivered to the chain’s 359 stores. 

The film of the book, which is released in Britain and elsewhere in Europe this week, features a scene in which lead character Christian Grey visits a do-it-yourself hardware store to stock up on accessories such as cable ties.

“All staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the content of Fifty Shades of Grey by reading the novel or watching the film upon its release,” it said. 

It said the book would be lent to staff on a one week basis, asking them to prepare for “sensitive” customer questions and reply in a “polite, helpful and respectful manner”. 

“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 fulfill Mr. Grey’s unconventional sexual pursuits,” it said. 

“We stock many of the products featured in this notable scene,” it said, predicting that “extra stock” would be required to cope with increased demand.

Contacted by AFP, a B&Q spokeswoman said: “B&Q remains committed to serving our customers in all their DIY needs and we strive to prepare our staff for any enquiry. 

“Customer satisfaction is always our number one priority.” – Rappler.com

 More 50 Shades of Grey on Rappler:

• Feast your eyes on ‘The Dom,’ a dessert inspired by ‘Fifty Shades’
• WATCH: ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Lego parody
• Watch Christian show Ana the Red Room in new ‘Fifty Shades’ full clip
• David Gandy turned down role of Christian in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’
• ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’ gets R-18 rating in the Philippines
• New ‘Fifty Shades’ full scene: Christian Grey doesn’t do romance
• ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ full scene: Encounter at the hardware store
• ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ full scene: Christian’s offer for Ana
• Christian Grey in new ‘Fifty Shades’ TV spot: ‘Where have you been?’
• WATCH: Ellen DeGeneres stars in her own funny ‘Fifty Shades’ trailer
• Meet Christian Grey’s family and Kate: New ‘Fifty Shades’ posters revealed
• WATCH: New ‘Fifty Shades’ trailer: ‘Why are you trying to change me?’
• WATCH: A glimpse of Christian Grey’s closet in new ‘Fifty Shades’ teaser
• ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ stars on the ‘task’ of filming steamy scenes
• WATCH: First ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ trailer released
• Charlie Hunnam: Leaving ‘Fifty Shades’ was ‘heartbreaking’
• ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ movie unveils new Christian Grey photo