United States Of America : Macy’s expands GoodWeave certified decorative rugs range - Apparel News United States Of America

United States Of America : Macy’s expands GoodWeave certified decorative rugs range - Apparel News 

Macy’s expands GoodWeave certified decorative rugs range

April 03, 2014 (United States Of America)

Macy’s announced an expansion of decorative rugs certified by GoodWeave, an international nonprofit organization that works to end child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in weaving communities throughout the world.    Originally launched at Macy’s in 2011, the collection of rugs has grown to include 30 styles in various sizes and color combinations carried at Macy’s Fine Rug Galleries coast-to-coast and online at macys.com.   By purchasing a rug certified by GoodWeave, Macy’s customers can feel good knowing their new handcrafted carpet is not only beautiful, but supports the education of children across the globe in the effort to end exploitative child labor,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s group vice president of leased businesses, vendor collaboration and multicultural business development.    “We are very proud to support GoodWeave’s meaningful work, and to provide our customers with high quality, hand-woven carpets created in socially responsible environments.”   ”GoodWeave’s partnership with Macy’s has the power to transform the problem of child labor directly on the ground in countries like India,” said Nina Smith, Executive Director of GoodWeave International.    “When a major brand like Macy’s tells its suppliers that certification is a requirement of doing business, a message is sent down the supply chain that positive working conditions are a market requirement. As the largest North American retailer selling GoodWeave certified rugs, Macy’s market leadership in the area of labor conditions in the carpet industry is likely to influence others to follow suit. This will stamp out the problem of child labor permanently.”   An eighth GoodWeave certified collection, Belleport by Bashian, will be available starting summer 2014.   In addition to GoodWeave certified rugs, Macy’s offers other products with a focus on international social responsibility. Macy’s exclusive Path to Peace program features woven baskets and bowls handmade by survivors of the Rwandan civil war and genocide, and Macy’s exclusive Heart of Haiti program includes pieces of jewelry and papier-mâché décor made by artisans still struggling to recover from the earthquake of 2010.