British Hardware Stores Braced For ’50 Shades Fever’

With just days to go until the hotly anticipated release of the big-budget film version of controversial sex-thriller 50 Shades of Grey, British home improvement chain B&Q has anticipated a surge in demand of equipment and supplies used in the film.

The company has issued a briefing note to its employees explaining that a certain “notable” scene in the film, which depicts the sexual predator film taking his slave to a hardware shop to buy items to use as improvised sexual aids, including cable ties, rope, and heavy duty tape.

Recalling the initial growth in demand for DIY items after the release of the book, the group has urged managers to order extra stock of certain items, and for floor staff to prepare to be asked unusual questions by potentially thousands of part-time perverts inspired by the events in the film.

The Daily Mail reports the contents of the document, which is marked as being confidential and not be shared outside the company, which reads: “As the UK’s leading DIY store, we stock many of the products featured in this notable scene and then used later in the film.

“When the book was released in 2012 DIY and hardware stores in the UK and US reported increased demand of certain products and queries from customers as they tried to recreate their own ‘Fifty Shades’ experiences. We need to be prepared for the same effect when the film is released this month.”

“It is always B&Q’s policy that products should only be used for their designed purposes. Nevertheless, all staff should… prepare for potentially sensitive customer enquiries and managers need to be aware of the implications that the film may have on stock levels.”

“All staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the content of Fifty Shades of Grey by reading the novel or watching the film upon its release. Copies of the book will be delivered to each store and can be loaned to staff on a one week basis. Understanding the storyline and how some products that B&Q stock feature in the film will better prepare staff for incoming queries.”