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. Retailers who subscribe to the NRF's Statement of Principles have pledged to include compliance with labor standards as a term in their contracts with suppliers.
Retailers also monitor compliance with labor standards through their own enforcement systems.
Finally, retailers will stop doing business with suppliers who violate labor laws and standards. The truth is, retailers cannot control the actions of their suppliers, but they have taken a variety of steps to encourage suppliers to comply with labor standards, and to stop doing business with them if they are unable or unwilling to do so.