H&M Attempts to Manage Xinjiang Fallout, Plans to 'Regain Trust'
After a week that had Swedish clothing retailer H&M see its stores disappear from maps in China and face boycotts (see 2103260021) over its comments relating to accusations of forced labor in China's Xinjiang region, the retail chain is attempting to rebuild trust with the Asian nation. In a March 31 statement, the H&M Group said it was working with its colleagues in China to maintain its long-term commitments. “We are dedicated to regaining the trust and confidence of our customers, colleagues, and business partners in China,” it said. “We believe we can take steps in our joint efforts to develop the fashion industry, as well as serve our customers and act in a respectful way.”
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H&M had said in the offending statement that it will no longer source cotton from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region over allegations of forced labor there. H&M pointed out the difficulty in conducting due diligence in the area and pledged to work to strengthen the traceability of cotton.