To meet this demand, retailers must travel the world finding suppliers who can provide the quality and value customers require. Far from exploiting labor, retailers have created millions of jobs worldwide. When retailers buy from suppliers in the United States or overseas, they create jobs. Jobs in the apparel industry in particular are often the first step up from poverty for people in many developing countries, especially women. The truth is, by sourcing throughout the world, U.S. retailers provide American consumers with the greatest selection and value in the world, while creating jobs, and the first step towards economic independence, for millions worldwide.
Retailers can direct and control the actions of their suppliers, including observance of labor laws.
Retailers source the merchandise they sell from suppliers that are separate and independent companies. It is not possible for retailers to oversee and direct all of their suppliers' activities. Even the smaller retailers purchase from hundreds or even thousands of suppliers. Besides, retailers buy many products through distributors or other agents, after the products have been manufactured. Although retailers cannot control their suppliers, they do what is possible to ensure that suppliers obey labor laws.