RB Clothing
I am deeply disturbed by the recent tragic events at a garment factory in Bangladesh. This is no accident or natural disaster. It is made not just by the owners of the factory and the authorities in Bangladesh; it is a product of a relentless demand for cheaper clothing in the West – at any price. And here the price has been paid in the lives of the poor.
6 years ago we committed to a strategy of not being the cheapest. We did so in part to recognise the quality of the art RB artists create. As importantly it was out of a basic commitment to providing everybody in the chain from garment workers to the artists and the printers with a reasonable return. This is simply not possible with a $9.99 T shirt. At that price you cannot help but dishonour the art and exploit many people in the chain.
I have visited where your T shirts are manufactured (as well as most of the other production facilities of products in the product range). I have spoken with the workers, talked about their conditions and reviewed their employment terms. I am comfortable we (which really is you – the artists) are providing meaningful and rewarding employment for hundreds of people.
In summary: your T shirts are manufactured in downtown LA by American Apparel. The employees receive full health-care and other benefits and are paid well above minimum wage. The factory conditions are light, comfortable and safe. It is a factory, not Disneyland, but it is a good factory. RB artists can be comfortable with the “canvas” on which their art is sold.
Journal Comments
Well said and thanks, Pilgrim
This is an important message in general. Well done RB
Yes it is important to know. Thank you.
Cheers.
This is very good to know , I will link your journal in to my groups forum .. If that’s ok with you
absolutely feel free to link and share.
Well I’m pleased to hear this! It also explains why are RB products expensive! There is allways a price to pay, in the end of the day it is all about how things are done….
I am glad to know that RB takes this fair and balanced view.
tick mark – good to know. And fair.
Thank you for the info, good to know. Very very tragic, what is happening over there with some of the companies and all for greed.
I’ve ordered quite a few shirts now from RB for my husband and I and they are always nice shirts. Have found that it’s false economy to buy department store shirts that are half the price but don’t last or don’t fit comfortably.
Yes, that is the other aspect off it. Really cheap is not only exploitative it is also a false economy in my experience.
Thanks Pilgrim.