Spanish clothing and accessories retailer, Zara, has come up against criticism and a considerable amount of online outrage following it's lastest fashion blunder - a baby’s pyjama top that has been likened to clothes worn by Jewish concentration camp prisoners. 

Zara's blue-and-white striped T-shirt, designed for toddlers up to three years old, features a six-pointed gold badge. The badge, although not clear, says "sheriff". However, social media users pointed out that it was reminiscent of the type of yellow stars that Jews in Nazi-occupied territory were forced to wear.

This unfortunate similarity, combined with stripes comparable to prison garments, means the item has drawn a clear link to the Holocaust.  

This isn't Zara's first faux-pas with their clothing. In 2007, a bag embroidered with Nazi-style swastikas was withdrawn from their stores following compaints.

Social media users have taken to the online space to voice their complaints - so how has Zara handled this opportunity to rectify the scandal? 

With one sentence. Repeatedly. 

A quick look at Zara's twitter account, and you'll find a deluge of "We honestly apologize, it was inspired by the sheriff’s stars from the Classic Western films and is no longer in our stores".  

This simple copy and paste approach to Zara's social apology means the brand can offer a timely response - but is it enough? 

Nowadays, customers expect a direct and personal response. If issues are dealt with in a positive manner, you could even see the situation transformed from a negative into a resounding PR success - such as with the recent Greggs 'blunder'. 

Although an apology is neccessary, a recycled apology doesn't communicate genuine concern or care. It could, in fact, suggest the opposite.  

Time is of the essence, but the real difference will be made in what you communicate, not just when you communicate. 

 

Have Zara done enough to address the situation? Let us know your thoughts below. 

 

 

 

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