Dedham Mom Wants Urban Outfitters 'Graphic' Books Moved

When Ann Hunnewell walked into in Dedham for the first time with her daughter last week, she was taken back by the collection of sex-themed books for sale.

"This is what 13-year-old girls are exposed to? I was just shocked," Hunnewell said in a phone interview Friday. "[Urban] should take responsibilty in deference to their teenage customers."

Ideally, Hunnewell said she would like to see the books - with titles like Sex Tips for Girls By Guys - removed. But she knows that's a long shot.

"The books should be in an adult section of the store," she said. "What really bothered me was they were disguised [in a Valentine's Day display]."

Hunnewell called Urban Outfitters' corporate headquarters in Philadelphia and wrote a letter explaining her concern with the books displayed with more age-appropriate titles that visually appeal to young teens.

"I am not in favor of censorship, but I really would like to be able to let my daughter walk into Urban Outfitters without worrying that her young mind is bombarded with hard core sex disguised with hearts and pink flowers," she wrote.

Urban Outfitters senior store communications manager Tracey Strober submitted a response to Hunnewell, stating that they would look into their "collection," according to an email provided to Dedham Patch.

"I have shared your comments with our Senior Buyers, Chief Merchandising Officer and our Executive Director of Stores for their consideration. We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns," Strober stated.

While Hunnewell can spread the message to other mom's of young teenagers through a newly created Facebook page - with 84 supporters through Friday morning - said the books don't violate a local bylaw.

Dedham's police regulations ban "visual displays of sexual conduct" including "still pictures or other photographic reproductions."

Despite a book titled Position of the Day with an illustration of two people having sex, Chief Michael d'Entremont stated, "The [police department] does not see a violation of the by law [sic]."

D'Entremont added that police on't believe the store falls under a licensed premises regulated under the bylaw.

And parents raising issues about graphic material at Urban Outfitters is nothing new to Legacy Place management.

"We keep it out of the windows on display [...] so it's not in public view," said Beth Winbourne, general manager of Legacy Place.

Other stores at the outdoor shopping center sell clothes for young teens, and could be better options for parents if they want their children to avoid seeing sex-themed gifts, Winbourne said in an interview.

"We are cognizant of our image, our presentation, and people feeling safe here is very important," Winbourne said.

Urban Outfitters has dealt with similar complaints from parents in the past at other locations, and parents might want to know what types of items the store sells, Winbourne said.

Hunnewell's goal now is to make sure parents like her are aware of that reputation.

"I understand their marketing. But I also want my daughter to be able to walk into that store without being bombarded ith graphic images," she said.