By Abigail Townsend
Date: Thursday 11 Jan 2024
LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Fast fashion retailer Boohoo has been accused of claiming clothes were made in the UK when they were actually made overseas, it was reported on Thursday.
According to an investigation by the BBC's Panorama programme, T-shirts and hoodies that were made in South Asia had their original labels removed at the retailer's Thurmaston Lane factory in Leicester.
They were then replaced with labels stating "Made in the UK".
The BBC said that the incorrect labelling affected up to one in 250 of Boohoo's supply of garments between January and October last year.
Manchester-based Boohoo told the BBC that it was an isolated incident that occurred because of human error.
"We have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again," the spokesperson added.
Earlier this week it was reported that Boohoo was considering closing the factory, which it opened in 2022.
It is not thought to be related to the BBC's investigation, however, with a spokesperson noting at the time: "As in any retail business, the role of our sites continues to evolve over time.
"Following significant investments at our Sheffield distribution centre and the opening of a new distribution centre in the US, we must now take steps to ensure we are a more efficient, productive and strengthened business."
As at 1040 GMT, shares in Boohoo were down 1% at 34.6p.