B&Q tells staff to read Fifty Shades of Grey ahead of soar in demand for cable ties and tape
B&Q has asked its staff to read Fifty Shades of Grey to prepare for an increase in demand for rope, cable ties and tape ahead of the film's imminent release.
A leaked memo tells staff to "expect potentially sensitive questions" amid increased queries about "rope, cable ties and masking or duck tape", as people try "to recreate their own 'Fifty Shades' experiences".
To prepare, staff have been "encouraged to familiarise themselves" with the content of the best-selling book.
Copies will be delivered to each B&Q store across the country which employees can borrow on a "one-week basis", the note adds.
The film adaptation, starring Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as his lover Anastasia Steele, is due for release this weekend.
B&Q points out a scene where Christian Grey visits a "hardware store to purchase rope, cable ties and tape".
"Rather than bought for home improvement purposes, these products are intended to fulfil Mr Grey's unconventional sexual pursuits," the memo reads.
"As the UK's leading DIY store, we stock many of the products featured in this notable scene and then used later in the film."
A B&Q spokesperson told ITV News: “B&Q remains committed to serving our customers in all their DIY needs and we strive to prepare our staff for any enquiry.
"Customer satisfaction is always our number one priority.”
The B&Q "Fifty Shades" memo to staff in full