Outdoor Insight

August 2021 • Outdoor Insight • 21 outdoorinsightmag.com "Made in USA" Label Matters Inclusivity in Sizing In a win for American manufacturers and workers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), on July 1st, approved a final rule to establish meaningful penalties for companies found to have purposely mislabeled imported products as "Made in USA." This new rule will give the FTC the tools it needs to properly enforce Made in USA labeling guide- lines and discourage future deception: previously deceptive labels have received little-to-no consequences for misleading consumers. Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul said: "U.S. con- sumers place great value in the label because of its embodiment of American values – including quality and knowing that their purchase will support American workers. In many cases, they are even willing to pay a premium for American-made. The Made in USA label isn't a PR tool. It is a way to recognize the hard work and dedication required of American manufacturers and their employees who make their products in our local communities. He noted that the FTC's strengthening Made in USA labeling enforcement is especially timely as America emerges from the COVID pandemic. l As part of its commitment to become a more inclusive community, REI Co-op said it will expand its sizing assortments to offer more apparel and gear, up to size 20 on REI.com, in 34 stores by the end of the year, and in all stores by early 2022. Several outdoor performance brands have added expanded plus-sized offerings in recent seasons, notably both Gregory and Outdoor Research. Outdoor Research has new ranges for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 in extended and plus sizing for technical base layers, insula- tion and shells. A panel of six advisors to the Outdoor Research R&D team played a key role in the development process, fit sessions and field testing. Gregory recently introduced its first-ever plus size pack collection with14 different pack styles across the day hiking, hydration, multi-day backpacking and lifestyle categories, and fits the apparel equivalent of 2x through 6x sizing. The Gregory team worked hand-in-hand with Jenny Bruso and her group, Unlikely Hikers, to design the collection As a manufacturer, developing a truly inclu- sive sizing program requires commitment and investment. From footwear and packs to apparel and running vests, REI Co-op and other outdoor brands are working on building out their design tools to offer more options. "Developing inclusive size runs correctly takes much more than just sizing up or down. To fit a broader array of bodies, manufactur- ers must invest in various tools to build new designs and bring quality inclusive sizing to market," said April Zito, REI general merchan- dising manager for apparel. "We have a way to go, but by listening to what our customers need most, we're proud to offer the majority of our best-selling outdoor styles in more sizing in a variety of colors." Since 2017, REI has expanded apparel lines for prAna, Columbia Sportswear, Kuhl, The North Face and its REI Co-op brand. This year REI will add more sizes from brands across new categories, including Terry, Gregory, Nani Swimwear, Athleta and PEARL iZUMi. REI's expansion is focused on outdoor activities including yoga, hiking, snow sports, running, fitness, swimming, and cycling. l Previously deceptive labels have received little-to-no consequences for misleading consumers. Gregory recently launched its first Plus Size Collection of backpacks. STOP CHAFING & BLISTERS EVERYWHERE ® SINCE 1996 ©2001 BODY GLIDE

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