Investigation reveals Macy's goods not produced in 'sweatshop'

NEW YORK Macy’s reported that a Long Island garment factory cited by the New York State Department of Labor for labor law violations was, in fact, not manufacturing goods for sale at Macy’s.

“There is no place in Macy’s stores for goods that are manufactured by workers who are underage, underpaid or forced to work in conditions that are illegal,” said Janet Grove, vice chair of Macy’s Inc. and chairman of Macy’s merchandising group. “We have cooperated fully with the Department of Labor and applaud the department for its vigorous enforcement of labor laws.” 

On July 23, the Department of Labor announced significant violations at the Jin Shun Incorporated factory in Long Island City, N.Y., which was reported to have been making women’s apparel for Macy’s and other leading U.S. retailers.

According to Macy's, the company conducted an internal investigation of the factory and discovered that no Macy’s goods were there. However, a factory named Zheng Da Inc. in Long Island City, which also was inspected by the Department of Labor and also cited for labor law violations, was making apparently counterfeit goods with labels from a Macy’s private brand. Macy’s Inc. is considering legal action against the owners of the Zheng Da factory for unauthorized manufacturing of counterfeit goods under a label owned by Macy’s.