An author who writes about smartphone addiction has criticised Aldi for selling a toilet stand that includes a tray for mobile phones. Louisa Guise, who wrote "How to Leave a Group Chat," described the product as "inappropriate" and said the supermarket was being "irresponsible."
Shoppers stunned by Specialbuy find
Ms Guise spotted the three-in-one free-standing toilet set in the middle aisle of the Aldi store on Vastern Road, Reading, Berkshire, on Tuesday, July 21. The set, marketed as a Specialbuy, includes a toilet brush holder, a toilet paper holder, and a tray designed to hold a smartphone.
The 39-year-old communications expert said she was "shocked" to see the product, which she believes reinforces the idea that people are "glued to their phones" and encourages them to take their phone into the bathroom.
Hygiene concerns raised
Ms Guise also raised hygiene concerns, noting that mobile phones can carry more germs than a toilet seat. "It's unhygienic as well - they say that your mobile phone has more germs than a toilet seat and this could be one of the reasons why, if you're picking it up before you wash your hands that's not great," she said.
While admitting to occasionally taking her phone to the toilet herself, Ms Guise argued that Aldi should instead stock products that encourage people to leave their phones outside the bathroom. She suggested items such as a pouch that could be placed on the door.
Author sees the funny side
Ms Guise acknowledged that she could see the humorous side of the product, describing it as "amusing" and suggesting it could be given as a joke gift. However, she maintained that selling such an item normalises a habit that is already too common in society.
"I think we've all at some point taken our phone into the toilet - it's not a great habit," she said. "I've got nothing against Aldi at all; I just saw this product and was quite shocked that they would sell something at this time which would accommodate a phone."
Aldi declined to comment on the criticism.
