The politics of surplus clothes

Background
Since WW2 and the 1980s even more so, many 'disposable fashion' stores like: H&M, Old Navy and Forever 21 mass-produced clothing at dirt-cheap prices. Tonnes are left surplus at times and need to be disposed of.

Overview
Tonnes are left surplus at times and need to be disposed of. The firms need to cut losses so they are gt rid of.

Causes
Surpluses are caused by 5 causes:
 * 1) Overestimatind demand.
 * 2) A collapse in purchasing rates.
 * 3) A failed fashion idea.
 * 4) Prices were to high for it to sell.
 * 5) Unforseen weather related issues.

The actions taken

 * 1) Dump them in a landfill sites.
 * 2) Sell them to outlets and discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Daffy's or discount web sites like Overstock.com or Yoox.com
 * 3) Donate them to charities like Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
 * 4) Shred them for use as fiber for insulation, auto sound dampening, carpet padding, toy stuffing, thermal lining, mattress topping, etc.

Protecting their brand
It is when retailers and fashion designers act in a way they believe will keep unwanted merchandise from flooding the market to 'protect their brand' by preventing their clothes from ending up on, say, a homeless person or desperate refugee.

Tis was very upsetting to Luis Jimenez, the executive director of the New York Clothing Bank in 2010.

Charities
The New York Clothing Bank, an organization founded by Mayor Koch 25 years ago to encourage retailers to donate unsold merchandise instead of shredding or trashing it, but it lost city funding in 2010.

There are also Goodwill outlets in places.

Retailers deeds
H&M- Donates some after 2010. Levi's- set up a website where people can find their nearest Goodwill outlet.

Also see

 * 1) The politics of second hand clothes
 * 2) Protecting their brand