Shoppers Avoiding ‘Made In China’
When Lisa Landry thinks ahead to holiday shopping for her 9-month-old boy, Ari, her concern isn’t which toy is most exciting. It’s which is safest. Already crossed off from her shopping list: Toys made in China. The string of recalls of Chinese-made toys has Landry, of New York City, and legions of parents across the country leaning toward toys made elsewhere, including Europe and the United States.
That is creating a huge headache for retailers and toy makers at just about the worst possible time: They made the bulk of their manufacturing and wholesale orders months ago, when most of them envisioned row after row of toys from China on their shelves. More than 80 percent of toys sold in U.S. stores are made in China,
Now they’re scrambling to make adjustments for customers who may want something else.
Toys “R” Us Inc. is looking at ways to expand its assortment of American-made toys and is expanding its assortment of organic products, though most of the holiday ordering is in place, according to spokeswoman Kathleen Waugh.
Photo by Associated Press.
Torsten on August 21st, 2007 7:46 am
I absolutely can understand these parents. I am a father of a one year old daughter and I am not buying anything made in china for her. Too much crab coming from there.
Rob on September 11th, 2007 7:32 am
I partly agree with you, but there is also a growing trust on some Chinese goods. Cars and audio/visual products are often created with very much care and expertise. On this website http://www.chinasuccessstories.com there is an entrepreneur talking about the benefits of China’s copy history for the quality of products.
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