Macy’s Expands Collection of GoodWeave® Certified Rugs

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr. 2, 2014– Macy’s (NYSE:M) today announced an expansion of decorative rugs certified by GoodWeave, an international nonprofit organization that works to end child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in weaving communities throughout the world. Originally launched at Macy’s in 2011, the collection of rugs has grown to include 30 styles in various sizes and color combinations carried at Macy’s Fine Rug Galleries coast-to-coast and online at macys.com.

“By purchasing a rug certified by GoodWeave, Macy’s customers can feel good knowing their new handcrafted carpet is not only beautiful, but supports the education of children across the globe in the effort to end exploitative child labor,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s group vice president of leased businesses, vendor collaboration and multicultural business development. “We are very proud to support GoodWeave’s meaningful work, and to provide our customers with high quality, hand-woven carpets created in socially responsible environments.”

”GoodWeave’s partnership with Macy’s has the power to transform the problem of child labor directly on the ground in countries like India,” said Nina Smith, Executive Director of GoodWeave International. “When a major brand like Macy’s tells its suppliers that certification is a requirement of doing business, a message is sent down the supply chain that positive working conditions are a market requirement. As the largest North American retailer selling GoodWeave certified rugs, Macy’s market leadership in the area of labor conditions in the carpet industry is likely to influence others to follow suit. This will stamp out the problem of child labor permanently.”

GoodWeave certified area rugs, available at Macy’s in styles from Bashian Brothers and Kenneth Mink, are priced between $359 and $3,595 and currently include seven handmade collections:

• Nottingham
• Wilshire
• Expedition
• Gramercy
• Valencia
• Verona
• Bordeaux

An eighth GoodWeave certified collection, Belleport by Bashian, will be available starting summer 2014.

In addition to GoodWeave certified rugs, Macy’s offers other products with a focus on international social responsibility. Macy’s exclusive Path to Peace program features woven baskets and bowls handmade by survivors of the Rwandan civil war and genocide, and Macy’s exclusive Heart of Haiti program includes pieces of jewelry and papier-mâché décor made by artisans still struggling to recover from the earthquake of 2010.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.

About GoodWeave

GoodWeave is an international nonprofit organization that aims to stop child labor in the rug industry and replicate its market-based approach in other sectors. It achieves its mission through business engagement, supply chain monitoring, product certification, consumer education, child rescue, and broader social and educational initiatives in weaving communities in India, Nepal and Afghanistan. GoodWeave is the only label for the carpet industry that monitors all levels of the supply chain, rescues children from exploitative circumstances, and that has attained full membership in the ISEAL Alliance as well as ISO 65 accreditation. More than 11 million certified child-labor-free rugs have been sold worldwide, with 11,500 rescued and at-risk children receiving educational support from GoodWeave. The GoodWeave certification label is the best assurance that no child was exploited to make a carpet or rug.

Source: Macy’s