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Macy's Faces Class Action Suit for 'Made in U.S.A.' Jeans With Imported Components

A San Diego woman is suing women’s apparel maker Citizens of Humanity and retailer Macy’s for labeling their products as “Made in the U.S.A.” despite being assembled from foreign components, in violation of California consumer protection laws. Louise Clark filed the class action lawsuit June 9 in Southern California U.S. District Court. She alleges Citizens of Humanity misleads consumers when it labels its “Boyfriend” jeans as “Made in the U.S.A.” even though the fabric, thread, buttons, and rivets are all imported from abroad.

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Clark alleges that consumers rely on the “Made in the “U.S.A.” label as a demonstration of quality. As such, Citizens of Humanity and Macy’s overcharged for the jeans because they were of lesser quality than what was represented on the label. “Essentially, the Boyfriend brand of jeans are not worth the purchase price paid,” said the complaint. The complaint alleges that other lines of Citizens of Humanity jeans also violate California consumer protection laws against mislabeling. “For other models of jeans, Plaintiff is informed and believes that the fabric, thread, buttons, rivets, and/or certain subcomponents of the zipper assembly are made outside of the United States as well,” it said.

The complaint leaves the exact amount of damages to be determined at trial. However, the complaint says the court has jurisdiction over the case because the damages exceed $5 million.

Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the complaint.