American clothing company GAP Inc. launched the retail brand Old Navy in 1994. The company produces affordable wardrobe basics for the entire family and has expanded its product lines to include pregnancy and size collections. Old Navy became a valuable asset in Gap Inc.’s portfolio last year after exceeding $9 billion in sales. Over 1,200 Old Navy stores are present in the US, Mexico, and other countries. They are both online and physical locations. Old Navy’s sibling firms Banana Republic, Gap, and Athleta are all owned by the brand’s parent company, GAP Inc. Is it a name in fast fashion? This article will assess that.
Old Navy: Is It Fast Fashion?
Indeed, Old Navy qualifies as a fast fashion brand. The company follows the fast fashion business model by mass-producing thousands of different styles in great quantities and selling its clothing at affordable prices. By offering frequent discounts and point systems to motivate customers to purchase more items, the business encourages overconsumption of its products.
Old Navy’s Ethical Standards: How The Brand Affects People, Animals, And The Environment?
Environmental Impact:
Old Navy has got an “A” grade on the CDP water security questionnaire and employs certain eco-friendly resources, such as recycled materials. It is appreciable how the American company leads the way in regulating water consumption across its supply chain. However, even though Old Navy has established a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and supply chain, there is no indication that it is on pace to achieve this goal.
Workplace Conditions:
The labor rating for the Old Navy dropped from good to not good enough. The lack of compliance by Old Navy’s supply chain with labor norms that guarantee worker health and safety, livable wages, or other labor rights explains this. Additionally, the company hasn’t done anything to safeguard its suppliers and workers from the effects of COVID-19 by revealing proper procedures or guaranteeing that a livable wage is paid across its supply chain.
The company scored between 41 and 50 percent on the Fashion Transparency Index. The brand released information regarding the second stage of manufacturing as well as a comprehensive list of suppliers for the final stage of manufacturing. It probably makes public information on its supplier rules, audits, and corrective action procedures, as well as details about slavery, gender equality, and free speech.
Animal Welfare:
The animal rating for Old Navy decreased as well. It uses leather, wool, and exotic animal hair while having a little institutional policy to preserve animal welfare. Old Navy does not make use of fur, angora, down, or skin from exotic animals.
