Interesting comment.  Yet, Mattel (as an example) isn't the only company that supplies their products.  Maybe the suppliers and retailers should of have had a more active role however when business is usually based on trust after good reputations, businesses shouldn't have to expect such things to happen.  But don't think that risk management teams aren't all over this.  They are going to make sure that something like this isn't going to happen again.  The cardinal rule is admitting mistake, and that has happened.


Forced? I don't think so.  Complicated? Maybe.  Mattel at first tried to blame China's producers only later to blame themselves.  The business world is much complicated but I don't think we should be so quick to blame retailers even if they have had an indirect effect on production.  If certain production standards can't be met, truthful companies should be open about it.  That's it.  If not, government needs to step in.  And china did.  Supposedly.

I've got new hope for WalMart, if they come through on their promise.

They are going green, according to the CEO. Reducing product packaging, one cereal box that contains no air, would save 1,500 trees. vs. the existing packaging that is 20% air (no product).

They are also giving preferential treatment to supply siders that demonstrate an acceptable level of green technology at their facilities.

In 2 years, the goal is to have all WalMart trucks operating on biodiesel.

They are also retrofitting their stores with renewable energy as part of the energy mix where appropriate. That includes auto dimmers that adjust the lighting based on the amount of sunlight that is coming into the store (much more efficient than "all on or all off"). They are also adding solar panels on the roofs, and wind turbines as well.

This is a good sign to see one of the most competitive companies ever known take a lead in this area.

I saw one in Austin, TX