PUBLIC VIEWPOINT: Adult Magazine’s Placement Troublesome

As a teacher and a mom, I often went into Hastings on College Ave. in Fayetteville to buy books.

They often have great quality books in their bargain bins, and having the option of buying used books for a fraction of the price was nice. Additionally they give a teacher discount better than the other major bookseller in Fayetteville. However, this summer ended my shopping sprees at Hastings when I noticed that on the direct path to the children’s booksection, the store had set up a Playboy magazine display in the middle of the aisle.

This display is about three to four feet high, just perfect for advertising this adult magazine to young children, and it faces customers as they walk past it either way.

When I first noticed it, I spoke with a salesperson who told me that she didn’t necessarily like it either but had no control over it.

I called the manager later that day, who also claimed he had no control over the display. I ended upcontacting the company at a higher level, as directed on their website, only to receive no response.

I have family living in other areas of the state who have checked their local Hastings stores and found there is no such display in either of these stores. So why would only the store in Fayetteville be “required” to have this displayed in such a place?

I have no issue with the sale of this or any other magazine in any store.

But the display begs thequestion, who are they trying to sell this item to?

Even gas stations often cover magazines with adult pictures and headings with a sleeve designed to protect young eyes, so why would a store that markets items specifically for children put this in such a place?

It is inappropriate, and I can no longer spend my money at such a place. I hope others will join me in this stand.

SARA CHANCE

Fayetteville

Opinion, Pages 5 on 11/28/2012

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