Truth in Advertising (TINA.org) filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against Williams-Sonoma Inc., the watchdog announced on May 22, 2019. It urged the FTC to reopen its investigation of the retailer’s Made in USA claims.
What TINA.org found
- More than 800 examples of products marketed as made in the USA that were imported or made with imported materials, according to origin details shown less prominently on the company’s sites.
- The examples came from seven sites: Williams Sonoma, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, Pottery Barn, PBteen, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm.
- Products included furniture, lighting, kitchenware, rugs, jewelry and bedding.
- One example: Goldtouch Bakeware was marketed as “made in the USA” on a category page, while a product page said an item was made in China.
The earlier probe
In June 2018, the FTC closed an inquiry into Williams-Sonoma’s claims. The company had blamed a false “Crafted in America” claim on an “isolated error” involving transposed SKU numbers and said it had a process to prevent future errors. TINA.org said its findings showed the closing letter had been “ineffective.”
What came next
The FTC later sued Williams-Sonoma. The company agreed to pay $1 million in March 2020, and the order became final in July 2020.
FAQ
How many examples did TINA.org cite?
More than 800, across seven Williams-Sonoma brand websites.
Had the FTC looked at Williams-Sonoma before?
Yes. It closed an inquiry in June 2018 after the company blamed a SKU mix-up.
What did TINA.org ask for?
It asked the FTC to reopen its investigation and take enforcement action.
Source & credit
Source: TINA.org: “TINA.org Files Deceptive Made in USA Complaint Against Williams Sonoma”, May 22, 2019, and its May 21, 2019 letter to the FTC.