STAFF at Debenhams have been told to encourage parents not to spend lots of money on their children’s nativity costume this year, apparently.
It seems Grandma’s chequered tea towels and chintzy tinsel from last year’s tree are just not good enough anymore as parents shell out up to £150 on designer chinos, shearling throws and fine silk party dresses for their child’s costume.
Debenhams first noticed the trend - nicknamed Manger Chic - last year during the start of nativity play rehearsals as stores were inundated with requests for advice on how to create the ultimate costume.
"It’s crazy that at a time where the majority of us are watching our pennies, some parents think there’s only room at the inn for designer donkeys," said department store spokeswoman Michelle Dowdall. "We thought it was odd, and might be a one-off last year, but some parents are still spending hundreds on their child’s nativity outfit."
So this year, Debenhams has decided to brief its sales staff and personal shoppers to discourage competitive parents from spending hundreds trying to make their child look like a designer donkey or couture King and instead use old sheets and stripey pyjamas to create costumes.
"It’s silly and we’re trying to help competitive parents see sense and go back to the traditional tea towel on the head," Michelle added.
A department store turning customers who want to spend money away? Now that I find a little hard to believe!
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