Argus woman asks Newport - Is it OK to shop in pyjamas? (From South Wales Argus)

Argus woman asks Newport - Is it OK to shop in pyjamas?

12:50pm Friday 5th February 2010

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AS A TESCO store's ban on shoppers wearing pyjamas polarised opinion, NATALIE CROCKETT donned her pjs and took to the streets of Newport to test public opinion on whether it is acceptable to wear nightwear in public.

THIS is me wearing a £5 pair of pyjamas and a £3 pair of slippers walking through some of Newport’s major stores.

When my news editor suggested I go out in public in something I would normally confine to my bedroom, I was a little daunted by the task.

But I soon found it gave me a strange sense of liberation and it was certainly a talking point as I caught the eye of dozens of stunned shoppers.

My task was set after Tesco in St Mellons, Cardiff, last week banned customers wearing pyjamas.

The store now has signs near its entrance which read: “To avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others we ask that our customers are appropriately dressed when visiting our store (footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted).”

A spokesman for Tesco said company did not have a strict dress code, but it does request that customers do not shop in their pjs or nightgowns in response to concerns raised by other customers.

She added the company would never dictate to people but it had listened to customer feedback which stated it made them feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.

So, intrigued to see what all the fuss was about, I stepped outside the security of the Argus offices with only my cotton jim jams for protection against shoppers’ jibes.

But I didn’t quite get the reaction I expected.

Heads turned as I got out of the car and walked towards Tesco Express on Malpas Road, and I was stared at by two elderly ladies who were clearly amused by my blue-patterned ensemble.

As I entered the store, picked out a chocolate bar, and casually joined the queue, one shopper was not fooled into believing I was just a nutter who couldn’t be bothered to get dressed in the morning.

“Are you protesting against Tesco? Do you think they will serve you?” she asked in hushed tones - the news of the supermarket giant’s actions had obviously spread to Newport.

“We’re about to find out,” I said. I walked towards the cashier, who to my surprise took my Bounty bar without even batting an eyelid and proceeded to take my money.

A little taken aback - I was expecting some reaction, after all I was wearing bright blue pyjamas! - I stared at the woman willing her to say something.

But just as I was about to ask whether my appearance caused her any offence the cashier at the next till turned and said: “I couldn’t care less if you walked in here wearing just a thong love, I would still serve you.”

The woman behind me in the queue agreed and said she thought the whole thing had been blown out of proportion.

Encouraged by their reactions I took to the city centre shopping area with a new-found confidence in the belief that perhaps I didn’t look quite as stupid as I felt.

As I walked through some of the cities busiest shops I was met with many a curious glance, a few sniggers and the odd pointed finger but most people were simply amused.

One woman stopped dead in her tracks and exclaimed. “You are wearing your pyjamas. Why?”

I couldn’t be bothered to get dressed”, I said, to which she simply shrugged and replied, “Ok” before carrying on her way, clearly unfazed.

As I continued browsing the shops people started to approach me congratulating me for my bravery.

One man, who even gave me a me a high five for efforts, said he thought Tesco’s ban on shoppers in their pyjamas was “beyond ridiculous”.

He said: “They are totally over-reacting. I’m not offended by people wearing their pyjamas. Some things in the shops are worse. People wear less to the beach, will people be asked to cover up there as well?”

And when you think about it, he has a point. Pyjamas are no more offensive than some of the items of clothing claiming to be fashion today - you only have to look at Lady Gaga’s wardrobe to know what I am talking about.

Yes, I encountered a few awkward stares from shop assistants but I wasn’t asked to leave any shops and only person - who branded me “irresponsible for promoting pyjamas” - didn’t approve.

And although I’m not planning to start wearing my nightwear as day wear any time soon, I have to say I secretly enjoyed all the attention and it certainly gave the people of Newport something to talk about.

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