A SMALL Scottish business has hit out at Marks and Spencer for naming a new product something almost identical to their entire brand.
Aberdeenshire-based re:treat Apothecary is a largely one-woman operation that handmakes natural products such as deodorant, oils and soaps.
The businesses owner, Kathryn McIntosh, was upset therefore to see that multinational retailer Marks and Spencer named a new product "Retreat Apothecary".
The M&S product is an aroma oil and part of the retailer's Apothecary range.
In an open letter shared on the firm's Instagram page, McIntosh (below) makes clear that before launching the business in June 2020, they made sure that the name was not used anywhere else.
McIntosh continued: "I'm so sorry that M&S haven't done the same due diligence, checking that 'retreat Apothecary' wasn't already in use by another business.
"Maybe one of your employees did search online and found 're:treat Apothecary' but decided to go ahead anyway? Hmmm ...
"I know we're small, but we matter!"
McIntosh goes onto say that when potential customers search for their brand, the first results are for M&S products.
She added: "M&S will always feature higher in a Google search than a wee one-person company from the North of Scotland. Unless of course you change the name of your products ..."
A Marks and Spencer spokesperson said: "Our popular Apothecary brand launched in 2018 and includes a range of home fragrance products(for example scented candles and diffusers) in different scents including Calm, Balance and just for Christmas 2021 - Retreat.
"This limited edition offer was created independently of other retailers and is a unique product range."
Responding to this statement, McIntosh described the outcome as a "win, win" due to the fact that it appears M&S will pull their product in January but also don't have to admit any wrongdoing.
She added: "I'm pleased I put on my brave face and spoke up about a shitty situation.
"But more importantly, I am so pleased and grateful for the re:treat community - your love (and social media wizardry) got us here!"
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