A Manchester-based clothing brand has called Primark out after noting alleged similarities between a logo used on a green Primark 'Explore Nature' kid's hoody and their own logo. Hikerdelic, which was founded back in 2012 by Proper Magazine’s Mark Smith and Neil Summers, recently shared a video via Instagram, highlighting the resemblance between the two logos.
As previously reported by the Manchester Evening News, the logos both appear to have a similar font, and both show a pattern made up of sunbeams, green hills, and toadstools. In the vid, Hikerdelic claimed that 'Primark can't get their own ideas again', stating, 'when someone kicks sand in your face you've got to let them know it's not really on'. Primark is understood to be investigating the matter.
In the caption of the vid, the Hikerdelic team, who go by the Instagram handle @hikerdelic, wrote: "We've been sitting on this for a while.
"From time to time we find stuff out there similar to ours, but usually it's just a case of people being influenced by similar things. It's hard to be 100% original.
"This though, from a corporate behemoth we're all familiar with is a step too far, in our opinion. We'd be tempted to turn the other cheek and get on with doing our thing normally.
"Sometimes though, when someone kicks sand in your face you've got to let them know it's not really on. At the end of the day, it's a business that makes hundreds of millions a year in clear profit. They don't need to step on toes."
The brand continued: "A legal fight would be a distraction and far too costly for a small business like ours so instead we've decided to share this on here.
"This was the first logo we worked with [illustrator Darren Newman] on, and although we've got plenty more in our armory, it's the one that we began with. It's not just us who are affected but talented independent illustrators too. Would be terrible if it got widely shared wouldn't it?"
Speaking with the Manchester Evening News, co-founder Mark said he was 'disappointed' to note the similarities, and says although he would be open to discussions with Primark, he would want to ensure lessons are learned so as to avoid a repeat incident.
Mark said: “We always keep an open mind and appreciate brands are sometimes seeking inspiration in the same places, and that results in similarities with designs. On this occasion though, this one does seem to have a lot in common with our logo."
Primark has said they are now investigating the matter and are currently in discussions with Hikerdelic.
A spokesperson told the publication: “We were concerned to learn of an issue regarding the design of a kids’ hoodie we sold last year. We are investigating this and are in touch with the brand.”
The Mirror has reached out to Primark for additional comment.
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