On July 22, 2023, a store with a reuse shop “BOOKOFF” issued a warning on Twitter that it had received many reports that “there is a bad smell in the trading card corner”. The original post has been deleted.
He called for countermeasures such as bathing every day, and said that in some cases, participation in competitions and sales / purchases may be refused. BOOKOFF Group Holdings (HD) said in an interview, “We recognize that the method and expression used to call attention to this matter were inappropriate.”
Bookoff has nothing to do with the store in the article (Photo: Naomi Nishimura/Aflo)
Screenshot of the deleted post (partially edited by the editorial department)
“It’s a total of 12 deodorizing systems.”
It was the Twitter account of a medium-sized store in Mie Prefecture that led to the apology. It is said that there are 64 free battle spaces for trading cards, and in the profile column, it is also stated that “the tournament is being held every day”.
On the afternoon of the 22nd, he tweeted, “[Request from the store]We have received many reports that there is a bad smell in the trading card corner. Please take measures such as taking a bath every day.”
He called for cooperation, saying, “If we receive a report that a customer is concerned about their body odor, we may refuse to participate in the tournament, sell, or buy.”
“We have already installed 6 deodorants under the competition space showcase, so we have a total of 12 deodorants. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers.”
However, on the night of the same day, he apologized as follows. On the other hand, on Twitter, there are some reactions that sympathize with the store, saying that the deleted post was appropriate.
“This time, there was an expression lacking in consideration in our post, and we deeply apologize for making everyone feel uncomfortable. We will pay close attention to prevent this from happening in the future, and we will manage the account. We are very sorry.”
On the 24th, BOOKOFF Group HD spokesperson told J-CAST News, “This time, there was an inappropriate and inconsiderate expression on the Twitter account of our store. We have deleted the post, but we deeply apologize.”
As for the background, when the trading card tournament was held at the store on the 22nd, a customer who used the store pointed out “the smell in the venue”. Therefore, the store staff tweeted a warning when participating in the tournament,
explains the publicity. Although the number of complaints about bad odors is withheld, “We do receive complaints from customers. However, we recognize that the method and expression used to call attention to this matter was inappropriate.” There was no answer as to whether there is a possibility that they will continue to refuse to participate in competitions or sell/purchase due to body odor.
He said, “We will continue to make efforts so that many customers can use the store comfortably.”
