Kohl's Ghetto Fab Wig

I don't know why Kohl's still has this on its website:



The Halloween item caused controversy, with consumers complaining to Kohl's about offering the product. It wasn't the wig itself. It was the name, "Ghetto Fab." The name has been changed to "Curly Wig," but obviously it's still on the website.

That contradicts a story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Kohl's Corp. pulled a curly wig from its online Halloween offering this week after customers were offended by the "Ghetto fab" name for the product.

The wig was part of an extensive array of costumes that Kohl's is selling online.

...Kohl's senior vice president of public relations Vicki Shamion said: "We are both embarrassed and apologize for the offensive nature of the merchandise description. Once it came to our attention, the item was removed from our website immediately. We take full responsibility for Kohl's messaging, and rest assured it in no way reflects the values of our company which we work hard to embrace in all aspects of our business every day. We have sent personal apologies to our customers and hope they will continue to give us the opportunity to serve them in a professional, respectful manner."

The wig sparked an uproar on Kohl's Facebook page Monday. Customers were offended by the name and shocked that Kohl's would carry an item described that way.

By Wednesday, Kohl's Facebook fans were thanking the company for responding promptly to the complaints.

The claim that the item was removed from the website immediately is false.

Why change the name of the product and leave the page on the Kohl's site with the message that the item is no longer available? Why not remove it completely?

If the name, "Ghetto Fab," really was the problem, wouldn't renaming the product be enough to satisfy those offended? If not, then why have the "unavailable" item posted at all?

Halloween costumes prove to be a tricky business.

Remember last year's controversy over Target's "Illegal Alien" costume?

One thing is certain: You can always count on someone out there being offended, whatever the matter.

I think Kohl's was wise to end the controversy over its offering of the wig with the offensive name by pulling it. Kohl's responded to its customers' complaints. That's good. However, I don't get why Kohl's is still promoting it on its website under a different name. What's the point? It's unavailable for purchase.

This upset was all about the name. Kohl's may not be your outlet for a ghetto look, but you can still purchase other costumes from Kohl's that are in questionable taste.

The name of this item may be innocuous enough but the look is rather skanky: Ahoy Matey Costume.

Look at this wig for a Wizard of Oz Dorothy costume:



There's nothing wrong with the wig, but this doesn't look like the Dorothy from Kansas that I remember.

This wig's name could be deemed offensive: Saloon Madame Wig.

Best of the Old West. This saloon madame wig is sassy and fun. In auburn.

Long ringlets in a partial updo offer stageworthy style.
Durable construction ensures lasting wear.
Details:
Online exclusive
One size fits most
Corset, earrings, choker, gloves, armbands & makeup not included

Does a saloon/whorehouse madame wig reflect the values of Kohl's?

Apparently, as long as customers don't complain, there's no problem. A "madame" wig meets Kohl's standards. A "ghetto" wig does not.
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The "Ghetto Fab" item, too objectionable for Kohl's, is still available elsewhere online, in all its "Ghetto Fab" glory.