How novel coronavirus could change the map on global manufacturing
February 24, 2020, PBS
Intensifying international concern about the toll and spread of the novel coronavirus is straining businesses that rely on goods made in China, even as they continue to deal with the fallout from the U.S.-China trade war. When the outbreak began to gain attention earlier this year, Chinese factories and a number of stores were largely closed due to Lunar New Year celebrations. To stem further spread of the virus, the government then extended the holiday by more than a week, keeping businesses shuttered. But even after that period ended, employers have urged their workers not to come in or, if possible, to work from home.
Mattel simplifies supply chain by reducing color options in toy design
February 26, 2020, Thomas Insights
If you or your kids grew up collecting Hot Wheels or Barbie dolls, you’re no doubt familiar with the sheer delight felt from trying to collect them all. Today the range of Mattel toys available is increasingly varied. One thing that has been decreased, however, is the range of colors used in these products. Last month, the world’s largest toy manufacturing and entertainment company announced it would be reducing the number of shades of red – and other colors – available to its toy designers by more than a third. Until recently, Mattel’s designers were able to choose from around 150 different shades of red but this recent decision reflects something psychologists have been telling us for years: too much choice isn’t good for us.
Home Depot and Safavieh recall dressers after they failed government tests
February 26, 2020, Consumer Reports
Two companies recalled dresser models today after the products failed stability testing conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This marks the seventh and eight dresser recalls since May 2019. Furniture and home goods manufacturer Safavieh recalled about 760 dressers, according to the CPSC announcement. The three recalled Safavieh models come in a light gray linen finish with light gray drawers (model CHS6410B), a mirror finish with champagne drawers (model CHS6403A), and a mirror finish with steel teal drawers (model CHS6403C). Each chest is about 32 inches wide, 16 inches deep and 29 inches tall. The dressers were sold at Wayfair, Overstock.com, Gilt, and other online retailers from November 2017 to November 2019.
Consumer Reports finds hundreds of recalled products, some dangerous, still available for sale
February 25, 2020, WMTW 8 – ABC-TV
When a product is recalled, you expect it to be removed from store shelves. But what happens when the product is resold online in the secondhand market, on websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace? A new Consumer Reports investigation found hundreds of recalled products, some of them potentially dangerous, still available for sale. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t put your family at risk.
How fast can a virus destroy a supply chain?
February 24, 2020, Bloomberg Opinion
The global supply chain, already under pressure from President Donald Trump’s trade war, now faces further strain from the coronavirus. And while cross-national supply chains are more robust than they may appear, if they fail, they will do so suddenly and without much warning. Supply chains are not indestructible. If the new costs or risks are high enough, the entire structure will be dismantled. By their nature, supply chains do not fall apart slowly, because each part of the chain relies upon other parts to add its value
39 states are investigating Juul’s marketing practices
February 25,2020, Associated Press
A coalition of 39 states will look into the marketing and sales of vaping products by Juul Labs, including whether the company targeted youths and made misleading claims about nicotine content in its devices, officials announced Tuesday. Attorneys general from Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas said they will lead the multi-state investigation into San Francisco-based Juul, which also is facing lawsuits by teenagers and others who say they became addicted to the company’s vaping products. The state officials said they also will investigate the company’s claims about the risk, safety and effectiveness of its vaping products as smoking cessation devices.
Revisions to safety standard for portable bed rails
February 25, 2020, Federal Register
In February 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a consumer product safety standard for portable bed rails. The standard incorporated by reference the applicable ASTM voluntary standard. The rule is effective on May 20, 2020, unless the CPSC receives significant adverse comment by March 26, 2020. If so, the CPSC will publish notification in the Federal Register, withdrawing this direct final rule before its effective date.
How sustainability is driving consumer purchasing decisions and manufacturer success
February 23, 2020, TotalRetail
Sustainable and eco-friendly products, which may have been just a marketing strategy or half-hearted effort in the early 21st century for companies, are quickly turning into a trend they must address to stay competitive. Today’s consumers, led by millennials and Gen Z, are driving the demand for sustainability and are willing to look past potential savings to support environmentally conscious products and companies.
Warren Buffett says supply chain, economy will recover from coronavirus woes
February 24,2020, Transport Topics
Billionaire Warren Buffett says the viral outbreak in China has slowed economic growth, but he remains confident in the long-term future of American business. Buffett appeared on CNBC Feb. 24 after releasing his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders over the weekend. Buffett said the reports he gets from Berkshire’s assortment of more than 90 businesses and stock investments show that business is a little softer now than it was six months ago, but he remains optimistic. “Twenty or 30 years from now, American business — and probably all over the world — will be far better than it is today,” Buffett said.
Blog: Voluntary standards – treat as “voluntary” at your own risk
February 25, 2020, Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
The current process for creating voluntary product safety standards has recently been criticized in the media in connection with a debate over whether rare-earth magnets can be adequately regulated through the voluntary standard process in order to protect children from swallowing the magnets. Regardless of opinions about how the process works, the CPSC treats them as a “floor” for consumer safety measures, so manufacturers should incorporate any applicable voluntary standards into safety compliance programs to guarantee compliance.
