Clarks accused of sexism over Dolly Babe shoes for girls

CLARKS, the high street footwear firm, has prompted a sexism row after naming a girls’ shoe range Dolly Babe and a boys’ line Leader.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, was among those to criticise the company, which has apologised for any offence caused.

The Dolly Babe range, featuring a heart print detail, has been withdrawn from the website and Clarks said it is removing the name from its stores. The Leader footwear, which carries a football image, remains on sale online in the boys’ school shoes section.

Ms Sturgeon, the leader of the SNP, tweeted: “It is almost beyond belief that in 2017 a major company could think this is in any way acceptable. Shows what we are still up against.”

But a Twitter user by the name of Tod, replying to Ms Sturgeon, said: “My daughter went through all phases from dolly babe to goth. It’s called choice and made no difference to her self esteem/worth.”

Clarks released a statement saying: “We are working hard to ensure our ranges reflect our gender neutral ethos and we apologise for any unintended offence caused.”