Years ago a guy called Gerald Ratner got into terrible trouble for bagging his own products.  At the time he headed up the enormously successful (and self titled) Ratner jewellery chain of shops. At a dinner where he was the keynote speaker he famously - and amusingly - said that some of his earrings were "cheaper than an M&S prawn sandwich but probably wouldn't last as long". Customers were insulted, the press had a field day and the Ratner group went down the tubes.  

Last week I was reading about Myer opening a champagne bar in Melbourne. Apparently (per the SMH) head honcho of Myer, Bernie Brookes said that it would be located in women’s designer wear to “make sure they buy $5000 dresses”. Fair enough. Sounds fun.

Then he went on to say “Our cosmetics and fragrances has been a shining star, as has women’s wear. It just shows you how selfish they (women) are.”

No Bernie, we are not selfish. Wasn't that the idea....that we should do our bit for the country and spend our way out of the financial crisis?

Don’t insult your customers. Girls, let’s go to David Jones….