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A poster encouraging staff to get shoppers to spend more was apparently put up on public view in a branch of Sainsbury's when it should have remained behind closed doors.

A customer spotted the 'motivational' sign encouraging staff to make customers spend 50p more at a branch of the supermarket in Romford Road, Stratford.

The sign read: “Fifty pence challenge – Let’s encourage every customer to spend an additional 50p during each shopping trip between now and the year-end.”

.@sainsburys not sure this is supposed to be in your window... pic.twitter.com/Zk9GCliIWO — Chris Dodd (@mynameischrisd) September 29, 2014

TV freelancer Chris Dodd was shocked when he saw the sign and tweeted a picture of it to the official Sainsbury’s Twitter account with the message: “Not sure this is supposed to be in your window.”

@mynameischrisd Yeah, I don't think so either. Which store was this? I'll give them a call. Ross. — Sainsbury's (@sainsburys) September 29, 2014

A Sainsbury’s worker called Ross, who appeared to be managing the Twitter account, admitted the poster was meant to be in the staff room and begged Mr Dodd to reveal which store it was in.

But Mr Dodd refused and said he would rather people knew what Sainsbury’s were up to.

@sainsburys oh I'm not sure about that Ross... I kinda like that they're giving folks a heads up! — Chris Dodd (@mynameischrisd) September 29, 2014

The photograph prompted an angry response from social media users, with one writing: “No wonder your customers are flocking to Aldi in their droves.”

Dougie Harrower wrote: “First we have to scan and bag our own groceries now we’re responsible for increasing basket spend.”

@mynameischrisd This is clearly a poster meant for staff areas. I'd really like to make sure it gets to where it should be. Ross. — Sainsbury's (@sainsburys) September 29, 2014

A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: “We often use posters to make store targets fun and achievable for our colleagues. They are intended for colleague areas in the store, but this one was mistakenly put on public display.”