The death toll has passed 700 in Bangladesh, where recovery efforts continue to locate the rest of the victims of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse. Amid the devastation and grief has emerged strong accusations of blame that have fallen on the shoulders of the Bangladeshi government and worldwide retailers who rely on Bangladesh factories to supply their "fast fashion." 

Nearly two weeks after the disaster—which is the deadliest in the history of the garment industry—the United Nations International Labor Organization is calling for new global labor safety policies to be adopted by brands and governments. “The tripartite partners (Government, employers and workers) and the ILO stand united in their resolve to do everything possible to prevent further tragedy... and acknowledge that the challenges are daunting but believe that, if international buyers and brands take increased responsibility for improving working conditions and safety and health and with the active support of development partners and donors, safety can and must be improved in all workplaces throughout Bangladesh.” 

The ILO is one of many organizations lobbying major retailers like Walmart, H&M and Gap to sign the legally-binding Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement, but those holding out have maintained that they have made improvements and implemented processes on their own to improve safety in Bangladesh's factories.Continue reading...

The death toll from the factory building collapse in Bangladesh could reach as high as 1,400, with at least 900 workers still missing six days after Rana Plaza in Savar crumbled and the owners facing possible prison terms for not protecting the tenants or workers.

The Dhaka collapse is the deadliest to hit Bangladesh's garment industry—worth upwards of $20 billion—but little has changed since last November's Tazreen factory blaze that killed 112 workers despite public outcry and pledges to improve safety standards. 

However, the cumulative effect of such tragedies, which have been magnified through the power of social media and the internet, is forcing major Western retailers such as Britain's Primark, Canada's Loblaw and Spain's Mango to admit involvement and ultimately offer up aid or a solution.

But for every brand that steps up and admits fault, another places blame elsewhere or remains mum. Italy's Benetton acknowledged that their products were made in Rana, but claimed it was a "one-time order," while Walmart has maintained that its third-party supplier was not authorized to outsource manufacturing to the Bangladeshi factory.Continue reading...

British supermarket chain Tesco has been hard hit by the recession. After its October 2007 peak, the grocer suffered a swift descent as rivals capitalized on consumer demand for thrift.

But happy days are here again for Tesco, thanks to improved benefits offered by its Clubcard loyalty program. After doubling the points accrued by members, the chain watched its sales growth rate climb 4.7%, and their growth in market share increase by 4.4%.

The retooling of the Clubcard program doesn’t just benefit consumers; Tesco uses the program to collect detailed data about shopper’s habits and preferences. Tesco expects more rewards from the Clubcard program in the coming weeks, as shoppers receive vouchers in the mail in time for the holiday season.Continue reading...

You know what would look great on your new, beautifully tiled bathroom floor, according to ads from Italian mosaic tile company Bisazza? A bound and gagged geisha, imploring you for mercy with her big soulful eyes.

The UK Advertising Standards Authority begged to differ. They quickly yanked the ad –- though not before it had appeared in high-profile publications such as British Vogue.

Bisazza argued that bondage images are common to the work of respected Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki. The regulators begged to differ, more concerned about the implicit sexual violence than the renowned artist's larger body of work.Continue reading...