Oddbins have decided to be kind to a number of groups in the upcoming weeks, among them "gingers", mothers, bankers, journalists and Germans, and offer them various discounts.

It's a nice thought, but why these people in particular? Oddbins explains:

Germans: "Why is everyone so mean to them? Studiously keeping their flat-pack-homed, forest-clad, industrious country immaculately clean, with their finances neatly in order".

Bankers: "A “banker” is an individual who is engaged in the business of banking. Last year the word has become a derogatory term used to refer to only a select group of rogue investment bankers. However, every time we chastise “bankers” for the financial crisis, how must this make tellers, analysts, loan officers et al feel?"

Journalists: "Why do we care what Sienna Miller and Hugh Grant are up to? And do we really want our politicians to control the only people who are able to hold them to account?"

Making a stand for equality, "Gingers": "Gender. Race. Religion. Sexuality. Weight. OK, we’re not perfect in this county when it comes to persecution, but things are improving slowly. All except the final taboo: ginger hair."

And mothers, because:"Here at Oddbins, we would like to stand up for mums across this great nation and give something back. We’d like to say thank you, mums: without you none of us would be here." Never was a truer word spoken.