Customers baffled by Poundland’s X-Rated Twitter feed featuring naughty copycat ‘Elf on a Shelf’
The budget retailer's social media campaign has provoked a Twitter-storm this afternoon
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IT'S certainly one way to get yourself noticed.
Poundland's festive elf has clearly been enjoying himself this Christmas - but customers have been left baffled by his antics.
The naughty elf has caused a Twitter storm today after the budget retailer posted a picture of him standing over a female doll and asking "How do you like your tea? One lump or two?"
Other pics show the cheeky elf playing cards with a group of naked dolls, drawing a Christmas tree that looks suspiciously like a man's penis, and riding a cuddly toy donkey with the caption "Don't tell Rudolph I've found a new piece of ass."
He's also been seen taking on Star Wars villain Darth Vader in a lightsaber battle - but instead of using the Jedi weapon of choice, he's using a sex toy instead.
The social media promotion has clearly been designed to get people taking about the retailer in the run-up to Christmas.
But loads of customers seem to have been left baffled by the bizzare scenes, with some accusing it of being in poor taste.
One wrote: "Who on earth has signed-off that off? Nothing says season's greetings like a teabagging elf...pathetic campaign."
Another user said: "An Elf teabagging Barbie. Doesn't get more festive that that."
Another simply wrote: "Good grief."
The official Elf On The Shelf brand said Poundland's copycat version was not connected in any way.
A spokesman said: "We are aware of several disturbing images circulating on social media that are causing confusion and using #elfontheshelf.
"The Elf on the Shelf wants to make sure families in the UK know that the elves depicted in these images are not Santa’s Official Scout Elves and could never work for Santa.
"The Elf on the Shelf is caring, kind and part of joyful family memories. To ensure your elf doesn’t behave badly, only adopt Scout Elves that have a solid red jumpsuit and arrive with their very own storybook."
Twinings Tea also appears unimpressed with the stunt.
It tweeted today: "We are aware of an image that is circulating that misuses our product. This is to confirm that we had no involvement in this and that it is obviously not reflective of our brand values."
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But Poundland's marketing director said the response to the campaign had been overwhelmingly positive - and cost hardly anything to make.
Mark Pym said: "The love on Facebook has been overwhelming, and that’s because it connects with our shoppers.
"We’re proud of a campaign that’s only cost £25.53 and is being touted as the winning marketing campaign this Christmas!"
More on money
Back in September the budget retailer launched its own range of sex toys, costing just, you've guessed it, £1.
And last month, it finally for the chance to launch its Toblerone lookalike, with only 500,000 bars going on sale.
The launch of its Twin Peaks bar was delayed due to a legal battle with the makers of the famous treat, Mondelez.
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