A SOUTH Killingholme woman has accused Argos of racism after selling black and Asian dolls for £10 less than the white toy despite them being exactly the same
She branded the store "unacceptable" for pricing a white doll, called 'Maria', at £34.99 - £10 more than black doll 'Naima' and Asian doll 'Yang'.
Mother-of-three Lisa O'Reilly, from South Killingholme, complained to the retailer after noticing the pricing difference while shopping for her two-year-old daughter Darcy.
The 12-inch dolls, designed for children aged 18 months and above, are made by French firm Corolle Calin.
Mrs O'Reilly, 32, condemned the pricing difference by Argos and said there's "enough prejudice in the world already without battling against racist toys".
She told The Sun: "It's unacceptable for children to think white is better or more desirable.
"It's wrong for our youngsters to grow up thinking non-white skin colours are worth less."
According to the newspaper, Argos has since sent an apology email to Ms O'Reilly which said: "I am sorry to read that you are offended by the price difference between the Maria, Yang and Naima Corolle Calin Dolls and I can assure you that Argos would never intentionally upset or offend our customers in any way."
An Argos spokesman said the chain strongly refutes any suggestion of discrimination.
He said: "A genuine online pricing error led to one of the dolls being advertised at an incorrect price.
"This error is being amended today and all three dolls are now priced at £24.99. We apologise for any confusion caused."
However, as of 11am today the prices on the stores website hadn't changed.
