shoppers habits not changed by garment plant fire

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BANGLADESH_FACTORY_FIRE_SHOPPERS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-11-30-09-42-36

NEW YORK (AP) -- Before purchasing a shirt, shoppers will run their hands over the fabric, look at the price tag and wonder how it will hold up in the washing machine. Some might even ask if it makes them look fat.

The one detail, however, that is rarely considered: What are the conditions like for the workers making the shirt?

A horrific fire that raced through a Bangladesh garment factory Saturday, killing 112 people, has put the spotlight - at least temporarily - back on those workers and their sometimes treacherous work environment.

The factory, owned by Tazreen Fashions Ltd., made clothing for several retailers around the globe including Wal-Mart, Sears and The Walt Disney Co. All three companies have distanced themselves from responsibility for the incident, saying they didn't know that their subcontractors were using the factory.

[liberal N proud]

1. That is on the other side of the world - who cares

The typical shopper is not motivated by such concerns. All they care is they got what they wanted.

[Blue_Tires]

4. yep...out of sight, out of mind...

fwiw, even if this factory fire happened in say, Mexico or El Salvador, I still think consumers would be just as indifferent...

[BlueToTheBone]

2. I read a study that one person elicits sympathy

but when you have this many dead, it is overwhelming and the mind shuts it off. Humans are an imperfect species. I don't know if the empathy gene exists or it is a trait that must be developed.

[doc03]

3. Walking through Macys yesterday I see a sweater marked $195 on sale for

Last edited Fri Nov 30, 2012, 09:15 PM - Edit history (1)

$90, made in China. I find it imposible to beleive that it couldn't have been made in the USA and sold for a profit at $90. I saw another sweater that retailed for
$250 on sale for 50% off also made in China. What the hell is the profit margin on these things? I can buy a sweater at JC Penny or Sears that looks just as good for $25.
I don't think I ever bought anything at Macys even things that are on sale they are over priced.

[slackmaster]

5. People still need clothes, and most can't afford to pay high prices

[hollysmom]

6. if you can't see it or hear it or sell it, it has less impact

I have not changed my shopping practices, never shop in sears or wall mart. Try to not buy clothes (retired, have a closet full of clothes, wear jeans a lot), uses patches on clothes I have (jeans) try to find underwear made in the US. try not to buy new electronics ( here I am a big fail). Spend money on house. try to avoid driving long distances -

[jeff47]

7. How exactly would they?

All the stories about the fires are vague about what clothes are made by that company. It's some clothing in Wal-Mart, Sears and so on. Which ones? Never stated.

How, exactly, are shoppers supposed to change their habits when they don't know which shirt came from that company?