PrettyLittleThing Criticized For 100% Cyber Monday Discount
No price tag for clothes ... but one hefty price tag for the environment.
Everyone loves a good Cyber Monday deal … right? PrettyLittleThing, which resembles the likes of other fast fashion brands such as Shein and Fashion Nova, “celebrated” Cyber Monday with a 100% discount (essentially, free clothes) that left many ecstatic and others … not so happy. Many were quick to point out the real price tag of this deal … the environmental and ethical cost of contributing to the climate crisis.
Fans and activists highlighted that the Cyber Monday deal promoted mass production, consumption and waste. As the conversation around the fashion industry’s contribution to climate change becomes more and more prevalent, PrettyLittleThing, which is owned by fashion group Boohoo, came under fire for not using their platform as a fast-fashion giant to practice more sustainable efforts.
PrettyLittleThing argued that their deal stemmed from accessibility goals and charitable motives. Many found that their official statement was a ploy to save face — arguing their lack of care towards the exploitation of garment workers, who most likely received little to no pay.
In fact, according to BuzzFeed, an investigation by the Sunday Times reveals Boohoo factory workers were making as little as $4.37 an hour. This isn’t the first time fast fashion brands have violated labor laws and exploited workers. Other fast fashion brands such as Shein and Fashion Nova have also been exposed for overworking and underpaying employees.
Not @OfficialPLT trying to play the accessibility card. Clothing with 100% off is not affordable for the planet, the people who make those clothes and the people in the global south who have to deal with the mountains of clothing ending up in landfill. https://t.co/TtR67CICZS
— Em🌞 (@EmilyyBecca) November 26, 2021
With the environmental and ethical price tag of PrettyLittleThing’s latest sale, the conversation around fast fashion companies’ responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint and treat their employees with dignity has been reignited — hopefully sparking some change in the process.
Up Next, Shein Exposed For Violating Labor Laws
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