H&M Gets Slashed

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A PR nightmare has unfolded after a New York Times reporter unveiled a story this week that brings to light the not-so-pretty truth behind two top retailers: H&M and Wal-Mart. A graduate student found bags full of slashed clothing in behind both of the store’s 35th street locations and after contacting the companies and not hearing back, decided to dish on her discovery to the New York Times. While controversy is no stranger to Wal-Mart, the news about H&M shocked many. Many people feel that these clothes should be donated to the needy, not destroyed and shoved into trash bags—some going as far as to say they will no longer shop there.

When the story first broke, H&M was quick to state on both Facebook and Twitter that this is not company policy and that they are investigating what happened at their store in New York. I noticed, though, quite a number of people commenting–who were former employees of H&M– saying that while they worked there, they were told to destroy the clothes that weren’t sold. Those remarks are obviously very different than the statement H&M made. Then again, there also were people saying that they did indeed give the clothes to charity.

Whether or not this practice is what the store preaches, I can understand where they’re coming from if it was policy. Why would anyone pay $100 for a jacket that they knew would be donated to someone for free months down the line? On the other side, though, that’s the risk we all take when shopping– especially knowing things will eventually go on clearance. Do you want to pay for it now or wait for the price to drop—risking if it will still be available by that time?

In the end, fashion is a business, and it’s not always “right” or pretty. What’s your stance on the matter? Do you think that stores should donate all unsold items? Or do you agree that they should be destroyed?