Bath and Body Works has issued an apology and removed a holiday candle from its stores and website after social media users pointed out that its design resembled the hoods worn by members of the Ku Klux Klan.
The candle, part of the brand’s holiday line and labeled “Snowed In,” featured a winter-themed design with a stylized paper snowflake, which some people said bore an uncanny resemblance to the pointed hoods worn by the notorious hate group.
Social Media Backlash and Company Response
The candle design quickly sparked backlash on social media, with users on platforms like Reddit nicknaming it the “Klan Krismas Kandle” and expressing shock over the resemblance to KKK imagery.
Several commenters described the candle’s design as unsettling and offensive, prompting further discussion about the oversight.
Bath and Body Works responded by promptly removing the candle from its website and retail shelves.
In a statement, the company expressed regret over the design and emphasized that the resemblance was completely unintentional.
“We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward,” a company spokesperson said. Bath and Body Works reaffirmed its commitment to listening to customer feedback and addressing mistakes as they arise.
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The Candle’s Aftermarket Buzz
While Bath and Body Works has discontinued the candle, it has since made an appearance on eBay, where one listing for the item reached as high as $350.
Although eBay prohibits the sale of items marketed with racist language, the candle itself doesn’t fall under that specific policy.
“eBay policies prohibit listings that include racist terms or language. Any items being marketed using racist language will be blocked or removed,” an eBay spokesperson clarified.
Bath and Body Works’ Annual Holiday Collection
The candle controversy comes during a pivotal time for Bath and Body Works, as the company’s holiday collection represents a significant portion of its annual revenue.
Known primarily for its candles, soaps, and lotions, the retailer traditionally sees nearly 40 percent of its annual sales generated from holiday-scented products, according to industry analysts.
Despite the candle’s removal, Bath and Body Works continues to release festive-themed items throughout the holiday season, including limited-edition scents and designs.
As the company navigates this incident, it has pledged to evaluate its design and review processes to prevent similar issues in the future.
Looking Forward: Reinforcing Customer Trust
This incident has underscored the importance of careful design review processes, particularly for brands like Bath and Body Works that serve diverse and expansive customer bases.
Moving forward, the company is likely to implement more stringent design checks to ensure that its products do not inadvertently offend customers.
By taking swift action and engaging in open communication, Bath and Body Works aims to reinforce trust and maintain its reputation as a beloved household brand.
