London – Are the praises from companies and trademarks after Queen Elizabeth’s death sincere, or are they motivated by the intent to associate her image with the turmoil plaguing the country?
Some campaigns and actions, such as the suspension of activities on the day of the Queen’s funeral, “do not come from the heart” for three in five Britons, according to YouGov’s survey on 13 and 14 September.
Lingerie brand Anne Summers posted a tribute to the monarch above the categories menu for its products, including sex toys, on its website.
Some found it funny on social media, commenting that it was all worth it for the subjects’ lives to ease the pain of the loss at that difficult moment. But the general public doesn’t seem at all happy that this is perceived as opportunistic or a lack of tact.
According to the study, seven out of ten Britons said they had seen condolences from a brand (69%) after the Queen’s death, and only 17% said they had not been exposed to such advertisements.
When asked about brand motivations, three out of five members of the public say they are motivated by PR reasons more than a sincere desire to show respect (58%).
Only three in ten say these messages are more likely to “come from the heart” (28%).
Older people were more benevolent towards trademarks: less than half (46%) of people over 65 felt that tributes to the Queen were motivated by public relations interests.
The most critical age group is the 25-49 age group, with 66% hesitantly seeing a possible “car ride” in grief.
And not all companies are treated the same by demanding and sensitive subjects. YouGov found that compliments to Queen Elizabeth by brands with a royal affiliation were better received.
Many companies in the UK have a royal seal that indicates they have been approved, favored or consumed by members of the monarchy.
In their case, 83% of respondents said they thought the taxes were appropriate. The same is true for royal-related attractions, whose tributes to the queen are 81% approved.
Expressions of mourning at non-royal attractions are far less sympathetic, with 59% of respondents agreeing.
Lingerie and sex toys rank last at 27% as a segment accredited to pay homage to the serious and discreet queen – definitely an Ann Summers influence.
And although the queen is a well-known horse racing fan, with several of her own animals among the most competitive in the world, 32% of the subjects disapprove of the tributes paid to her by the bookies.
Still, the Hippodrome casino displays panels with the figure of Elizabeth II.
Fast food brands are followed by 48% approval. In this case, there is no inconsistency, let alone the visits of the monarch to the food chains, the deliveries to one of his palaces.
The problem may have been caused by Domino’s Pizza, which tweeted a mourning message for the queen shortly after her death and closed the channel for comments in hopes that it would maintain one-way communication and avoid controversy.
But many retweeted it with ironic or negative comments, showing a perceived lack of honesty in the tribute to the queen, as determined by the YouGov poll.
Use promo code ELIZABETH to get 96% off your next order
— dragonball ki (키출 쉰) (@dragonballki) September 8, 2022
One of them suggested using the promo code with the queen’s name and getting a 96% discount on the age at death.
Closed store in memory of Queen Elizabeth
The YouGov survey also assessed the British response to the closure of tourist attractions and the interruption of business activities or essential services on the day of the funeral.
Three quarters of the public support closing schools (77%), museums (75%) and street shops (72%). The Superdrug network released a statement signed by the CEO.
Two-thirds consider it appropriate to stop postal services (66%) and grocery deliveries (65%).
The majority even supported the suspension of football games (56%). Matches have been suspended since the weekend after his death, amid criticism from celebrities such as former player and sports commentator Gary Lineker.
Britons are less convinced that it is appropriate to separate the weather services from reducing publicly available forecasts than it is correct (40%) or incorrect (43%).
And although many public health organizations have announced the postponement of procedures such as knee replacements and cataract surgery, the public is more inclined to think it’s wrong (54%) to cancel non-essential appointments (54%), outright (32%).
At the bottom of the list is the accommodation sector as a result of another discussion.
Widely used by British families for short trips, the Center Parcs chain has come under fire for announcing that guests must leave their resort on the day of the Queen’s funeral in order for staff to attend events.
Only 13% approve of closing hotel stays on the day of the Queen’s funeral, while 77% say this is the wrong move.
After the protests, Center Parcs partially reversed, allowing guests to be without service and discounts on already paid prices.
Legoland Park was another name announcing that it was closing with a character created specifically for the funeral. As with other brands, reviews were split between positive and ironic about true intentions.
HM Queen II. We are so sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family at this deeply sad time.
The resort will be closed tomorrow. If you have a visit, you will receive an email regarding your reservation. pic.twitter.com/5vJlqUgIXv
— LEGOLAND Windsor (@LEGOLANDWindsor) September 8, 2022
Some companies tried to get creative. One of the most original accolades was given by the Crossfit gym network, author of a personalized set of exercises dedicated to the monarch who, as far as is known, has never exercised.
Series II. Numbers from Elizabeth’s life were used and ended with a minute’s silence, considered the best episode by those who enjoyed the initiative.
I finished ‘1 minute rest in silence’ pic.twitter.com/eNPI5CHyml
– michael ✨ (@mjrgrs) September 9, 2022
However, after the criticism, the broadcast was removed, although the sharing continued and there was news in the media.
Newspapers and television did not want to risk it. When the extent of Elizabeth’s death was announced, many advertisements on her broadcasts and programs were suspended.
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source: Noticias