Fashion giant Banana Republic opened its first store in the UK last week on Thursday on Regent Street, London in the middle of allegations of promoting unfair working conditions. Following the charity War on Want, workers in its Indian factory are forced to work 70 hours a week for 15p an hour, often receiving only half payments for overtime. To make matters even worse, the Guardian claimed that "workers are verbally abused if they dare complain", and little disputes often result in reduced pay. The store stocks of Banana Republic's Holiday 2007 collection carries all the must-have essentials for the 'perfect summer wardrobe' from Silk blouses to linen separates with broiderie anglaise detailing, stylish trenches, sophisticated high-waisted skirts - and more than a few must-have little dresses including a section for shoes, handbags and menswear. Inadvertently, Banana Republic has also confirmed that it will be launching an eco-friendly clothes range made from organic cotton and bamboo.
In response to the allegations made on the company Dan Henkle, Senior vice-president in charge of social responsibility for Gap, said "We have launched an immediate investigation into the allegations brought to our attention. We are looking at the factories in that area where production on our clothing is done – factories which also do work for a number of other retailers – and plan to take appropriate action." Whether or not the allegations will affect sales in its UK flagship store is questionable.
Banana Republic, 224 Regent Street, London, W1.
