Kohl's Shells Out $425,000 Big Ones

Filed Under: Baby Blabber Fashion Smashion Legal Matters

Looks like Kohl's doesn't learn from their mistakes!

The retailer that houses Lauren Conrad's newest line has agreed to pay the Consumer Product Safety Commision a $425,000 fine for selling children's hoodies with drawstrings.

The CPSC sets safety guidelines for apparel in the US. In 2006, the commision concluded that kids' coats, sweaters, and all other outerwear with drawstrings were to be considered defective as they present the risk of choking the child. Further, by law, retailers must report any and all defective merchandise within 24 hours of learning of its defect.

Kohl's received hooded kiddie sweatshirts with drawstings in 2008 and failed to report them in a timely manner, an error for which the retailer had to pay $35,000.

In February 2009 Kohl's received another batch of drawstring hoodies, but, apparently having learned nothing, the retailer continued to sell the merchandise and didn't recall it until March 2009, a move which cost them their most recent six-figure fine.

Strangely enough, despite having paid the settlements, Kohl's is denying any misconduct, stating:

"Kohl's has longstanding policies that require our vendors to deliver merchandise that complies with existing laws and regulations, including those of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In February 2009, upon learning we carried a children's hooded sweatshirt with drawstrings, we immediately removed the inventory from our stores and Web site and issued a recall of the product. Kohl's is not aware of any incidents or injuries."

Then why did you pay??

Sketchy.

Safety first!

[Image via AP Images.]

Posted: September 16, 2009 at 3:30 pm