Urban Outfitters is a popular clothing retailer known for its trendy and unique clothing styles. However, as consumers become more conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment and society, the question of whether Urban Outfitters is ethical has become increasingly important. In this article, we will explore Urban Outfitters' practices and policies to determine if the company is ethical or not.
History of Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters was founded in 1970 by Richard Hayne, Scott Belair, and Judy Wicks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Originally, the company sold second-hand clothing and goods, but it eventually expanded to include new clothing and home decor. Today, Urban Outfitters has over 200 stores worldwide and is a subsidiary of URBN, which also owns Anthropologie and Free People.
Labor Practices
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to the ethics of Urban Outfitters is their labor practices. According to the company's Code of Conduct, they are committed to ensuring that their employees are treated with respect and dignity. They also state that they do not tolerate forced labor, child labor, or any form of discrimination.
However, there have been reports of Urban Outfitters' factories in Bangladesh and Cambodia violating labor laws and exploiting workers. In 2015, the company was accused of underpaying workers in their Cambodian factories and not providing safe working conditions. Additionally, in 2016, a factory in Bangladesh that produced clothing for Urban Outfitters was found to have violated safety regulations and put workers in danger.
Animal Welfare
Another concern when it comes to the ethics of Urban Outfitters is their treatment of animals. The company has a policy against using fur in their clothing, but they do use leather and wool. While they claim to source their materials ethically, there is no information available about the specific farms or suppliers they work with.
Sustainability
Sustainability is also an important factor when it comes to the ethics of a company. Urban Outfitters has taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment by using more sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. They also have a program called Urban Renewal, which repurposes vintage clothing into new designs.
However, there is still room for improvement. In 2018, Greenpeace ranked Urban Outfitters as one of the worst companies in the fashion industry when it comes to transparency and sustainability. The company has not disclosed information about their carbon emissions or water usage, and they have not set any clear targets for reducing their environmental impact.
Conclusion
So, is Urban Outfitters ethical? It's a complicated question with no straightforward answer. While the company has policies in place to ensure fair labor practices and animal welfare, there have been reports of violations in their factories. Additionally, while they have taken steps towards sustainability, there is still room for improvement. Ultimately, it is up to each individual consumer to decide if they feel comfortable supporting Urban Outfitters and their practices.