Online retailor Shein under fire for selling Muslim prayer mats as decorative rugs
Online retailor Shein came under fire last weekend after the post on its official page selling Muslim prayer mats as decorative rugs went viral on social media.
Many consumers took to social media while expressing their anger over the brand’s selling of prayer mats as decorative pieces saying that they were disgusted at the religious insensitivity and upset at the same time that the seller was making money selling holy mats labeling them “fringe trim Greek fret carpets” despite having a picture of the Holy Kabah and mosques on them.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCLS9-4lC85/?utm_source=ig_embed
repeat after me.
STOP SHOPPING AT SHEIN. pic.twitter.com/ud87Q9WP9J— h⭒ekkan era (@huhleemaa) July 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/EtihaA/status/1279143434918531074?s=20
Facing the massive criticism, the brand took the items off their website and made a public apology on their official Instagram, stating that it was allegedly a serious mistake on their site.
“To our community – we made a serious mistake recently by selling prayer mats as decorative rugs on our site. We understand this was a highly offensive oversight and are truly sorry,” read the public apology.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCRK5UPHgY0/?utm_source=ig_embed
“Since it was brought to our attention, we immediately removed the products from our website and asked our vendor to stop selling to others,” it added.
The brand also decided to rectify its mistake by notifying consumers that they found a “product review committee” with staff from “different cultures and religions” to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
The note also stated, “As a global brand, we vow to do much better in educating ourselves on different cultures, religions and traditions to ensure our diverse community is respected and honored. We offer our sincerest apologies to all whom we have hurt and offended and hope we can earn your forgiveness”.
