... as M&S faces storm over ‘sexist’ trainers for boys

CAMPAIGNERS turned their fire on Marks & Spencer yesterday over its marketing of children’s shoes.

The chain advertised pink children’s trainers as ‘trendy’ while a grey pair were said to be ‘ideal for running about’.

The two pairs appeared identical except for the colour. The grey pair was online in the boys’ section while the pink were in the girls’ section.

Campaign group Let Clothes Be Clothes highlighted the difference in the descriptions, saying: ‘Spot the difference in marketing at Marks and Spencer! #genderstereotypes.’ M&S said the marketing material came from an old advertising campaign, although both pairs remained on sale on its website.

The pink pair carried the description: ‘A fun choice to wear with a skirt or a practical and trendy choice with jeans… particularly easy for her to slip on and off.’ The grey pair were described as ‘ Ideal for running about outside – whether he’s playing sports or just playing … particularly easy for him to slip on and off.’

Facebook user Stephanie Cuthbertson suggested the marketing could deter female customers. She wrote: ‘Please stop going down this path. Change your ways or girls will walk away in the “boys” trainers and not come back.’