Argos has assured customers that it is updating the terminology of its delivery types, with these changes soon to be seen in stores, after customer complaints on social media.
While the catalogue retailer describes the delivery of larger items on its website as using “two people”, customers in stores – including newly opened locations – pointed out the use of gendered terms.
Taking to Twitter, one customer wrote: “Two MAN delivery really @Argos this poster shocked me at the weekend – not very inclusive language. Outdated phrase in this day & age. I’m sure the Argos workforce is made up of so many fabulous individuals…not only men…but women & non-binary?”
Argos responded that it had in fact “updated our wording earlier this year to ensure we reflect the diverse communities, customers and colleagues we work with,” but stressed it would take time to change in-store signage.
The move has been called “woke” by some, but Frank Furedi, professor of sociology at the University of Kent, explained there is “pressure on companies to normalise gender neutrality”.
He added: “They think it’s better to be safe rather than use common sense.”
