What was intended to be a festive holiday product turned into a public relations issue for Bath & Body Works. The company’s “Snowed In” candle was pulled from shelves after online critics pointed out that its label design resembled something far more offensive than a winter wonderland.
The snowflake design, which was meant to celebrate the winter season, bore an unsettling resemblance to the white hoods worn by members of the Klu Klux Klan.
A spokesperson for Bath & Body Works stated that the resemblance was unintentional and emphasized the company’s commitment to listening to its customers and correcting mistakes.
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In a statement to the Washington Post, the company apologized to anyone who was offended and confirmed that the candle was being swiftly removed from stores.
This controversy occurred at a critical time for Bath & Body Works, as the holiday season accounts for more than a third of the retailer’s annual sales.
Employees were reportedly instructed to remove the candle labels and dispose of them in opaque trash bags.
Meanwhile, some customers who purchased the candles before they were pulled have been reselling them on eBay, with prices wrangling from $125-$360.
Online, the candle has been mockingly nicknamed “Klandle” and “Klan Krismas Kandle.”
The backlash has tapped into larger concerns, as Klan imagery remains a powerful hate symbol. According to FBI reports, hate crimes against Black Americans made up 30% of reported incidents last year, with anti-Jewish crimes accounting for 11%.
