Several firms have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they failed to disclose the origin of textile products sold online or through print catalogs, the FTC said yesterday.
Delia’s, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bugle Boys Industries, Inc. and four other firms violated the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and FTC rules, according to the FTC.
In addition, Abercrombie & Fitch has settled FTC allegations that it failed to make origin disclosures in its print catalogs. Delia’s also failed to state origin in its print catalogs, according to the FTC.
The FTC said it found the offenders after reviewing more than 200 Web sites offering textile or wool products. The FTC definition of a catalog was changed last year to include online catalogs.
“As more consumers turn to the convenience of online shopping, it is important that retailers who market on the Internet comply with the law,” said Jodie Bernstein, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a statement.
The other settlements were with Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., Woolrich, Inc., and Gottschalks, Inc.
The agreements, which do not constitute admissions of wrongdoing, will be subject to public comment for 60 days. Terms will be published in the Federal Register.
