The apparent memo to B&Q staff issuing guidance ahead of the launch of Fifty Shades Of Grey WAS a hoax, it has been confirmed.
What appeared to be a leaked memo told staff that copies of the book would be available on week-long loans so they could to brush up on their knowledge of the erotic novel ahead of an expected surge in demand for rope, cable ties and tape.
However, staff have been told that the memo was not genuine and that it was a trick from B&Q's "naughty" PR team.
A genuine memo was sent to staff via internal communications.
The film adaptation of the erotic novel is released at cinemas this weekend, with some shows already sold out at the Parkway, Cleethorpes.
It follows the relationship between college graduate Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, 25, and businessman, Christian Grey, played by Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan, 32.
Grey introduces Steele to the world of bondage and dominant sexual role play and both the book and the film include a scene in which he visits a hardware store to purchase rope, cable ties and tape.
