This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Lenskart's Apology To Its Earthquake SMS Campaign Isn't Currying Any Favour

Lenskart's Apology To Its Earthquake SMS Campaign Isn't Currying Any Favour
Twitter

Lenskart, an online Indian eyewear portal is drawing widespread criticism for a marketing stunt it tried to pull with an SMS it sent out this afternoon, following the news of the devastating earthquake in Nepal today.

“Shake it off like this Earthquake: Get any Vincent Chase Sunglasses upto Rs. 3000 for FLAT Rs. 500, by sending invites to 50 friends @ http://www.lenskart.com/refer-sun”.

The SMS was screen-shotted and shared on Twitter, and the backlash has been swift. In a few hours, became a trending topic in India on Twitter.

StupidOfToday: @Lenskart_com. They can send you a discount voucher to you on your funeral to celebrate it pic.twitter.com/nxATHs4XFG

— Stupid Of Today (@StupidOfToday) April 25, 2015

Boycott idiots like @ScoopWhoop & @Lenskart_com for insulting the dead in #NepalEarthQuakepic.twitter.com/5BCqt0BbzT

— Sexist ChopdaSaab (@Keisar_) April 25, 2015

This is how humanity will meet it's end. #Earthquakepic.twitter.com/veiAN8fLgg

— Bruce (@GhantaGuy) April 25, 2015

To their credit, Lenskart apologised for its choice of words, but they aren’t winning any brownie points for using a template message.

We apologize for the accidental choice of words.Our intention was not to hurt anyone's feelings.We are extremely sorry - Lenskart

— Lenskart (@Lenskart_com) April 25, 2015

Looks like @Lenskart_com has chosen a bot to apologise in typical school teacher punishment fashion! #earthquakepic.twitter.com/sN5RqbdC1x

— Twilight Fairy (@twilightfairy) April 25, 2015

Contact HuffPost India

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.