Major Stores Have Suspiciously Little to Say About Bed Bug Prevention

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WWD asked retailers if they were taking any preventative measures against bed bugs. The overwhelming response: "LA LA LA WE CAN'T HEAR YOU." Stores that refused or just plain old failed to comment included Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, the Gap, and Macy's. Bergdorf replied that it was "in the process of formulating a plan," and Lord & Taylor said that while it had no bedbug problem, its exterminator was visiting more often just in case. And the CFDA offered a cautious statement about being aware that the miniature pests could have a huge impact on the industry (about which duh, but at least they're trying.)

Like WWD, we're kind of appalled that brands aren't seizing the chance to declare themselves free of bed bugs, even if it means mentioning their own pristine wares in the same breath as the grossest thing to happen to NYC retail in years. And like the Cut, we'd really appreciate some kind of "no bed bug zone" sticker or other assurance that the places we're shopping are at least making some effort to keep from unleashing tiny vampires onto our sheets. Until then, consumers just going to have to assume that Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, the Gap, and Macy's aren't talking about their preventative plans because they have no preventative plans—or because they're already battling bed bug problems of their own.
· Does This Bug You, Too? [WWD]
· Retailers Seem Afraid to Talk About Bedbugs [The Cut]
· All bed bug coverage [Racked NY]