Papakura Salvation Army store's sign banning pyjamas causes controversy

A photo of the sign, which is placed at the window of the Papakura Salvation Army, was shared on the Papakura & Takanini Grapevine. Photo / Facebook

A store manager has revealed why she put a pyjama ban sign up in a South Auckland store after a social media post caused controversy.

A photo of the sign, which is placed in the window of the Papakura Salvation Army, was shared on the Papakura & Takanini Grapevine and divided opinion.

The sign reads: "Pyjama wear is not acceptable in the store. Thank you for your co-operation."

Papakura Salvation Army manager Moana Turner explained that she put the sign up as she is trying to set a standard and value for the store.

"I don't think it's suitable to wear PJs in a public store," she said.

"I was bought up by my mother. She was a single parent and there were 10 of us and not once did we ever go out without wearing clothes and shoes.

"We were very poor and I don't think there is any reason for people to get up and walk around in public in the pyjamas."

Turner also said that any time a customer in pyjamas visits the store, she provides them with free clothing if they have nothing else to wear.

"We all do it nicely ... we ask if them if there is anything they need so they can avoid walking in public in their pyjamas ... that goes for the children as well," she said.

"I give them the option if they are desperate for clothing."

However, some people who commented on the Facebook post believed the pyjama ban was "cheeky" and "silly".

"Wow I'm actually shocked at this," one person wrote.

"I think it's quite cheeky of them to dictate what their customers can or can't wear."

Another agreed: "Pyjamas are better than no clothes I reckon."

One person wrote that PJs should be expected in South Auckland and that "onesies are life."

However, some were behind the ban, saying that other stores should get on board.

"Good on the store. PJs should be banned in all stores," one person wrote.

"This sign should be in all Countdown stores," another added.

Another agreed writing: "Well most bars have a dress code no reason shops can't ask for a reasonable state of dress."