During the week I read all my news online. At weekends, I indulge myself reading a selection of Sunday papers, turning every crinkly page and relishing every minute of intellectual infusion.
This weekend I saw something on a Style shopping page that I had to have. No delayed gratification for me when it comes to THE dress I want; conspicuous consumption rules and I want it NOW! I had the description, the price, the retail chain and the sub-brand. I immediately went to my PC – not a moment to waste to get this item, I need it for an event in two weeks’ time and they might sell out.
But no – my hopes are dashed! The retailer web site was no help, in fact it infuriated me. The product wasn’t listed even though it had been published in The Sunday Times. I couldn’t get into the brand section – the connection didn’t load. The selection of items didn’t load – it was stuck on the first of five pages. I couldn’t even find the product searching through the retailer’s home page, or Google images.
This is a classic example of where a stunning result from the PR team (congrats!) is thoroughly let down as the different parts of the retailer’s marketing campaigns are not joined up. Shame on you, M&S. That dress, being featured in a major national Sunday paper, should have been so easily found and if it was, M&S would have had £150 from me.
It’s too late now. I’ve turned right off M&S and I can’t bear to look at the web site anymore; I’ve wasted too much time on it today (secretly, I still want the emerald green maxidress).
Maybe I’ll see you at the CIPR Awards dinner? I might be wearing emerald green or I might be wearing something black.
We operate in London, Paris and Munich, and have a network of like-minded partners across the globe.
Get in touchReceive thought pieces from our leadership team, views on the news, tool of the month and light relief for comms folk
You can unsubscribe at any time, please read our privacy policy for more information