A recent marketing strategy by Manto Bride at Dubai Mall has sparked controversy online, as it involved using a female model posing as a mannequin to attract customers. The model, identified as Angelina, stood in the store window wearing a brown-golden dress and stilettos, striking poses alongside two actual mannequins. This tactic, which the model shared on her Instagram with the caption “POV: Marketing in Dubai,” has garnered over 32.2k views and 37 comments, eliciting a strong reaction from the internet.
Dubai Mall Mannequin- Online Reactions:
- Criticism: Many users criticized the marketing strategy, labeling it as “inhuman,” “slavery,” and “downgrading.” Comments ranged from “This is slavery, so inhuman she has to stand the whole day in the small area” to “Inhuman behaviour and money power.”
- Support: Some offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that standing for long hours is a common occupational hazard shared by many, including security guards. One user remarked, “Everyone saying this is slavery, inhuman, uncomfortable but think about security guards, they stand all the time too. We all are struggling and that’s what makes us strong.”
Broader Context:
This incident adds to the growing list of unusual marketing strategies used to draw attention to stores. While such tactics can be eye-catching and generate buzz, they can also provoke strong ethical concerns and public backlash, as seen in this case.
Summary:
The use of a live model as a mannequin by Manto Bride in Dubai Mall has resulted in divided opinions online. While some view it as a clever marketing move, others find it exploitative and inhumane. This controversy highlights the delicate balance businesses must strike between innovative marketing and maintaining ethical standards.