Sales of a tea kettle that looks like Hitler have skyrocketed after publicity about the look-alike kettle on a California billboard caused so much commotion that the chain store hurriedly took it down.
The attention sparked by the initial publicity of the $40 stainless steel tea kettle, which was sold out on Penney’s website, where it now has been removed.
But business still is booming. eBay is offering the kettle for four times the price, at $199, or best offer.
It only takes a little imagination to see the kettle’s handles as Hitler’s hair parting, with the lid being his moustache and the spout a Nazi salute.
The power of suggestion from the publicity has made the kettle a hit among Nazi lovers.
JC Penney Tweeted, “If we had designed it to look like something, we would have gone with a snowman or something fun.”
However, after the billboard picture originally had been posted, JC Penney stated on its Facebook page, “You won’t be able to stop yourself from whistling at us when you see this billboard off the 405 Freeway in LA!!! If you find it safely shoot us a pic if you can.”