Meghan Markle has been dragged into a fresh row regarding her As Ever products being sold at two new Netflix stores, while its employees are expected to earn less in an hour than some of them. Netflix House is looking for people to staff its new stores in the King of Prussia shopping mall in Philadelphia and the Galleria mall in Dallas, but the “lucky” candidates will be paid as little as £14.77 ($20), which is less than some of the Duchess of Sussex’s price points.
The Duchess of Sussex launched her As Ever brand back in April, with products ranging from £7 jams to £9 teas and £11 crepe and cookie mixes, as well as £21 honeys and a £22 wine. Meghan’s products sold out within minutes, but according to a new report, some will be back in stock at the new Netflix stores, allowing fans to purchase them.
While it is understood that the Duchess herself will not be directly paying the Netflix employees, her name and As Ever products have still been dragged up into the picture as the streaming giant is also her partner for her lifestyle brand.
According to the Mail, the As Ever range is set to be featured in both branches in Philadelphia and Dallas, which will give fans a chance to “buy merchandise from their favourite shows, enjoy immersive experiences related to hit programmes and eat at restaurants.”
Netflix House’s job listings are looking for “crew members” whose duties include “delivering best-in-class customer service and creating an exceptional guest experience”.
The job listing states: “The Crew Member will provide general information, sell and scan tickets, manage guest flow and queuing, sell merchandise, and more.”
Candidates are asked to be at least 18 and have “knowledge of the Netflix platform and shows”. They will also be required to work weekends and holidays, while the salary is listed as being “$20 an hour”.
Despite the Sussex deal ending this September, Ted Sarandos, co-chief executive at the streaming giant, defended Meghan and insisted that she has been “underestimated”.
Speaking to Hollywood site Variety, he said: “I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture.
“When we dropped the trailer for the Harry & Meghan doc series [in 2022], everything on screen was dissected in the press for days. The shoes she was wearing sold out all over the world. The Hermès blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere in the world.
“People are fascinated with Meghan Markle. She and Harry are overly dismissed.”