The nation's largest retail industry organisation is firing back, saying that a legally binding global pact to make Bangladesh clothing factories safer would expose merchants to undue legal exposure.
The move comes as US retailers face increasing pressure from a large coalition of religious groups and investors who are calling on them to work together to develop a plan.
More than 30 brands including Swedish retailer H&M, Benetton, and French retailer Carrefour have signed on to the 5-year agreement that requires them to help pay for fire safety and building improvements in Bangladesh.
But only two US companies have signed on so far: PVH Corp., the New York-based parent company of Tommy Hilfiger, and Abercrombie & Fitch of New Albany, Ohio.
