A picture of all-but-bare bottoms in a letting agent’s window has been causing a stir after the image was posted on social media.
Residents in Hull said the full-window display was ‘inappropriate’ and in ‘bad taste’, and ‘objectifying women’, with calls for it to be taken down as schoolchildren walk past the window each day.
One resident said: “I hope to bring my sons up to respect women, but how is that going to happen when there are adverts like this in plain sight?”
Others thought it meant that an adult shop would be opening in the premises of student letting agency Avenue-Lets.
The more legally pressing issue as to to the display of letting agent fees has seemingly not made it on to social media.
The Hull Daily Mail quoted local councillor Mike Ross who said he had received several complaints about the advert.
He said: “I would say businesses need to think carefully about using advertisements to show exactly what it is they are selling.
“It is something that has definitely got the residents talking.”
However, Avenue-Lets said it had been complimented.
A spokesperson told the Hull Daily Mail: “The images used are from the Advertisement Standards Agency, these are not images we have produced ourselves, and we have received more than 20 compliments for using them.
“These images were not used to offend or upset anyone, or objectify men or women, and as a marketing campaign we have reached the targeted market.
“As with any marketing campaign, these images were due to be changed in January, but we will endeavour to look at bringing that date forward.”
It is, however, possible that the campaign has been entirely successful.
As one person posted on Facebook: “The advert may offend but at least the properties are a lot better than some of the student landlords in the area.
“Landlords are in trouble either way: if they promote to students people kick off, if they let to other people residents moan.
“The student market is getting harder to compete in as the uni build more accom on site. It’s done what it intended – it got a free advertisement in the Hull Daily Mail.”
Comments (25)
It’s a great piece of marketing – they’ve got lots of locals talking about it and free advertising in the paper. Job done I’d say! As for being offended by it – who cares if you’re offended by it? If you find it offensive, don’t look at it.
A piece of matketing genius when you think about it.
I am completely outraged and offender at the rest of you being offended! – how about we campaign for an outright ban on any female flesh in any advertising? *ahem* I guess someone should get on the phone to; Ann Summers, Diesel, Armarni, Gucci, Pandora, Chanel, Paco Rabanne, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, and the other 100’s of industry that use sexual advertisement to promote their businesses/product…I mean seriously? just because a letting agent uses a stock pantie photo the news erupts, but the day to day use in aftershave/perfume goes on without a whimper.
If this is really offensive to you, then regardless of what industry images like this promote, you should take offence to every single usage
How do we know the images were of women. Just sexist
Ros, add a LOL button for the funny ones…..
Whatever works for you in your local market place I guess, If we did this, I think I would be closed down by the end of the day!
Might be counterproductive, as some people might think they are just going to get a bum deal.
My wife and her mate were grateful for the modeling work.
i think it is lovelle estate agents that owns or is involved in avenue lets so maybe they are testing the water on a 2017 campaign : )
Can the HULL DAILY MAIL prove these are female or male. I can’t see any identifying features and I have looked closely to ensure impartiality of course.
Ah Hull.. had to go there once. Misspelt it HELL in the sat nav. Still took me there though.
hahahaha, soooooo sorrrrryyyy its hilari-arse advertising.
oh eye….. you spoilt my sad attempt at a joke…. hilari-4r5e
oh my…. you even know how to read the number version of the word…… hilari-farse (just take the “f” out) god, this has turned in to hard work.
I note the sign of the door and was wondering if the new premises have a larger display with perhaps bigger bottoms?
This is brilliant… Their target audience will love it.
People seriously need to lighten up.
Why the fuss? It’s an effective ad which I do not consider to be offensive.
Perhaps residents need to just turn the other cheek? It’s a bummer they didn’t like it but I will investigate why and promise I’ll get to the bottom of it.
Another great quip to start the day.
Don’t get behind in your other work but do let us know if you manage to crack it.
p.s. But I do hope not! 😉
Disgraceful, stereotypical, gender-biased reaction that jumps to the conclusion that these curvaceous rear ends belong to women. I’ve seen that Moneysupermarket.com ad and I am pretty sure this is Dave and Colin (or could be Gary).
Cheap, tacky and tasteless. Doubt it will win them many new landlords.
They are a private agency, letting their own stock and the word in the street they are already fully for 17-18 because if this marketing campaign. Whatever we think to this, it has clearly it’s worked for them.
So are you the ownet or employee?
Give yourself away by the amount of dislikes but feel free to continue 😉
Neither… work opposite them in a letting agency. Certainly got Hull talking about them !