Macy's to carry 'GoodWeave' - child labor free rugs

21 Jun '11

2 min read

Macy's announced a new exclusive collection of decorative area rugs that have been certified by GoodWeave, an international nonprofit organization that works to ensure rugs made by hand in Nepal and India are free of child labor. The GoodWeave collection, including 20 styles available in various sizes, will be carried in select Macy's stores in New York and New Jersey.

"By buying a hand-crafted rug at Macy's with the GoodWeave label, shoppers are helping to support families and to build sustainable communities in Nepal and India, nations where poverty is widespread," said Molly Langenstein, Macy's executive vice president for Fashion and New Business Development. "GoodWeave certified rugs are woven by skilled adult artisans, permitting educational opportunities for children who may otherwise be required to work. A GoodWeave rug makes a beautiful statement in your home and a powerful statement about making our world a better place."

Added Nina Smith, Executive Director of GoodWeave USA, "As one of the world's largest and most respected retailers, Macy's has taken a pioneering step in social responsibility by making GoodWeave certified rugs available to its customers. This is a turning point in the fight against child labor."

The GoodWeave collection at Macy's includes four product groups:

• Cascade collection - handmade wool pile casual rugs in bold and vibrant solid colors
• Good Life collection - handmade wool pile whimsical rugs with drawings and sayings
• Miramar collection - handmade wool pile rugs in classic Persian designs
• Safari collection - handmade wool pile scatter rugs in fun leopard and tiger shapes

To launch the new product offering and give consumers a closer look at GoodWeave's meaningful work and the intricate craft of rugmaking, Macy's Herald Square will host a photo exhibit on the 8th floor entitled "Faces of Freedom" from June 28 through July 22. "Faces of Freedom" connects viewers with the bright faces of Sunita, Laxmi and others counted among the 9,000 children GoodWeave has assisted to date, a testament to the power of consumers' choices.

GoodWeave certified rugs join other products available at Macy's with a focus on international social responsibility. They include Macy's exclusive Path to Peace program, offering baskets and bowls hand-made by Rwandan weavers who survived the country's civil war and genocide, and Macy's exclusive Heart of Haiti program, decorative pieces made by artisans struggling to recover from the tragic earthquake of 2010.

Macy's Inc

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