MATALAN has withdrawn its popular pyjama range in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Charity due to quality issues.
The retailer every year sells colourful matching nightwear for the whole family to fundraise for the Liverpool children’s hospital.
This winter’s eye-catching design featured quotes such as “Shine Bright” and “Dream Big” amid graphics of stars, rainbows and spots, as well as Alder Hey’s mascot Oli the Elephant.
But this week Matalan said the range, which launched on October 9, has been pulled due to quality issues.
It said to one disappointed customer: “Matalan is committed to quality, this year’s Alder Hey pyjama range didn’t meet our usual standards.
“We’re removing from sale in-store and online. We apologise for the inconvenience. All profits go to Alder Hey’s Children Charity, we’ll ensure the fundraising target is met.”
The profits go towards supporting the charity’s research programme, which is intended to improve patients’ clinical outcomes, safety and hospital experience.
The collection is especially popular in Liverpool where Alder Hey and Matalan are both based, with many shoppers making it a Christmas tradition to buy pairs for all the family. The range typically sells out quickly.
Customers have reacted with sadness at the news.
One said on X: “This is beyond sad, I thought they were gorgeous xx”
Meanwhile on Facebook, shoppers had spoken of ordering multiple sets to give to friends and family.
One nurse said her husband had ordered 34 pairs at 7am to beat the rush and added: “This is the eighth year we have had them and give to friends and family for Christmas Eve.”
Another added: “I’ve bought ours 15 lots including the dog.”
But some buyers were upset by the fabric, with one commenting on Instagram: “Bought these pjys today like every year but disappointed they’re not to the same standard as previous years the cotton isn’t as soft or stretchy.”
Another added: “I have just opened them and refuse to keep them. I’d rather donate directly to the charity. The quality is appalling.”
In addition to adult pyjamas, which were £13, children’s ones were sold for £9.
Matalan also sold a new “snuggle hoodie” priced at £18 for adults and between £10 and £12 for children.
Jo Whitfield, chief of Matalan, said earlier this month: “I’m thrilled to be celebrating our wonderful partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for the 11th year.
“Alder Hey is an incredible place and I’m extremely proud that Matalan supports this fantastic charity.
“As always, I would like to thank everyone who gets involved with this year’s campaign and pyjama collection launch, including our customers and colleagues who help raise vital contributions. I can’t wait to see everyone in the new designs!”
It is understood that Matalan has extended the products’ returns policy until January 18 (with or without receipt).
A Matalan spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud to support Alder Hey’s Children Charity through our annual pyjama campaign, a partnership which is now in its eleventh year.
“Regrettably, it has come to our attention that this year’s range doesn’t meet our high expectations when it comes to quality, and we’ve therefore made the decision to remove the pyjamas from sale.
“All profits of products already sold will go to Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Matalan has made a further donation on top of this.
“We would like to apologise to our customers and the Alder Hey team”.
The partnership between Matalan and Alder Hey Children’s Charity started back in 2014, with Matalan pledging a five-year fundraising campaign to raise funds for Alder Hey’s new Research and Innovation Centre – Institute in the Park.
In the first year the retailer released alphabet scarves and in 2015 the campaign featured bobble and beanie hats.
In 2016, the first pyjama collection, #GetYourStripes, was released, with the Alder Hey nightwear range becoming a popular annual sale event for fans. The campaign has raised more than £4.4million.
A spokesperson for Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: “Matalan are a super supportive partner, and though we are disappointed that not everyone will get their Matalan x Alder Hey PJs this year, we know that together we will make next year even more special!”
YOUR REFUND RIGHTS
The Sun’s Reader’s Champion Mel Hunter explains where you stand.
If a purchase goes wrong, you are entitled to your money back.
The Consumer Rights Act states that goods you pay for should be of satisfactory quality, as described, fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time.
If they fail any of those tests, it’s tempting to head straight to the manufacturer. But responsibility lies with the shop you bought them from. Don’t be fobbed off.
You may find retail staff either don’t know the rules or don’t apply them, so go in armed with your rights.
You only have 30 days to reject something faulty and get your money back.
After that, the retailer has the option of repairing the item.
There is no automatic right to return something to a shop if you have simply changed your mind.
In practice, though, many stores do have a returns policy, where you can take back your buy within a specific timeframe.
Whether they offer a refund, exchange or voucher is entirely up to the retailer. It’s different if you bought it online.
Then, you automatically have 14 days from when the goods were delivered to return the product for a full refund.
If you opt for click-and-collect, you have the same rights as anyone buying on the internet.
What about if your parcel failed to arrive?
When the problem first arises, it might save you time to contact the delivery firm to see if they can find out where your missing item might be.
But it’s always the retailer’s responsibility to get your goods to you, so insist they sort it out.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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