Pottery Barn Teen

Pottery Barn Teen is a retailer specializing in furniture and decor for teenagers, known for its trendy designs. The brand focuses on offering curated collections that cater to the stylish preferences of teens, providing a mix of modern and classic pieces that create vibrant and functional living spaces.

CCI Score

2.28

April 18

Latest Event

False 'Made in USA' Claims on Pottery Barn Teen Products

A product on Pottery Barn Teen's website was falsely advertised as 'Crafted in America' despite being made in China, contributing to deceptive business practices that eventually led to a multi-million dollar fine for its parent company, Williams-Sonoma.

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OBJECTOR

Pottery Barn Teen is currently rated as an Objector.

0 to +9 CCI Score

These companies deliberately avoid direct involvement with authoritarian practices. While they do not actively challenge oppressive regimes, they maintain a neutral stance to ensure they are not complicit in supporting such systems.

Latest Events

APR

29

2024

False 'Made in USA' Claims on Pottery Barn Teen Products
-63.52

A product on Pottery Barn Teen's website was falsely advertised as 'Crafted in America' despite being made in China, contributing to deceptive business practices that eventually led to a multi-million dollar fine for its parent company, Williams-Sonoma.
-70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 23

Pottery Barn Teen, under the Williams-Sonoma umbrella, was implicated in misleading advertising practices by falsely claiming that its mattress pads were 'Crafted in America' even though they were imported from China. This deceptive labeling undermines consumer trust and reflects unethical business practices. Such actions support a corporate environment where transparency and accountability are sidelined, indirectly contributing to broader authoritarian trends by prioritizing profit over ethical standards.

Williams-Sonoma fined $3.2 million for false 'Made in USA' claims
APR

01

2024

Record Penalty for False Made in USA Claims
-64.03

Following a TINA.org tip regarding misleading 'Crafted in America' claims on a PB Teen mattress pad, Pottery Barn Teen’s parent company Williams-Sonoma was penalized over $3 million for violating a 2020 FTC consent order. The deceptive marketing misled consumers and undermined regulatory standards.
-80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 23

Pottery Barn Teen, under Williams-Sonoma, engaged in deceptive advertising by falsely labeling products as 'Crafted in America', in direct violation of a 2020 FTC consent order. This misconduct undermines consumer trust and ethical business practices, reflecting a disregard for corporate accountability that can indirectly support authoritarian corporate behaviors.

How a TINA.org Reader Tip Led to a Record Penalty for False Made in USA Claims
-60

Regulatory Capture

March 23

The repeated violations and misleading product claims suggest a disregard for regulatory oversight. This pattern implies either inadequate internal controls or an attempt to circumvent government regulation, contributing to concerns over regulatory capture and undermining of democratic accountability.

How a TINA.org Reader Tip Led to a Record Penalty for False Made in USA Claims
JUN

09

2023

Pottery Barn Faces Backlash Over Trans Inclusion Initiative
72.84

Pottery Barn, historically known as a conservative brand, has recently faced boycott calls after featuring transgender activist Jazz Jennings in a virtual reading for its children's division. This move, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity and progressive values, has polarized its consumer base as conservative customers push back while progressive groups praise the stance.
+90

Public and Political Behavior

March 23

The company has taken a clear public stance by featuring a transgender activist, challenging its conservative legacy and supporting progressive inclusion. This decisive action in a politically polarized environment reflects strong opposition to regressive policies and an embrace of diversity.

Pottery Barn, Once a Top 3 Conservative Brand, Faces Boycott for Trans Book
+85

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 23

By aligning its business practices with progressive values and actively promoting inclusivity, the company demonstrates ethical responsibility. The decision to feature a transgender activist, along with supportive pro-LGBTQ+ initiatives, reflects a deliberate effort to foster diversity and oppose discriminatory norms.

Pottery Barn, Once a Top 3 Conservative Brand, Faces Boycott for Trans Book
JUN

09

2023

Pottery Barn Embraces Trans Inclusion Amid Boycott Calls
64.53

Pottery Barn, historically viewed as a conservative brand, has pivoted towards progressive activism by featuring transgender activist Jazz Jennings in a virtual reading event, sparking both support from pro-inclusion advocates and boycott calls from conservative customers.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 23

By hosting a virtual reading featuring transgender activist Jazz Jennings, Pottery Barn has taken a clear stand promoting diversity and inclusion, challenging its former conservative image. This public demonstration of progressive values is a positive signal against authoritarian narratives and supports marginalized communities.

Pottery Barn, Once a Top 3 Conservative Brand, Faces Boycott for Trans Book
+75

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 23

The event underscores Pottery Barn's commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility by aligning its brand with progressive values and supporting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. This shift represents an ethical pivot away from traditional conservative practices and positions the company in support of a diverse consumer base.

Pottery Barn, Once a Top 3 Conservative Brand, Faces Boycott for Trans Book
JUN

09

2023

Pottery Barn Teen Embraces Trans Inclusion Amid Boycott Calls
66.42

Pottery Barn Teen, evolving from its conservative roots, staged a social media event featuring transgender activist Jazz Jennings and promoted inclusive Pride Month products. This progressive shift has sparked boycott calls from conservative customers, reflecting the company's alignment with values that oppose authoritarian and exclusionary policies.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 23

Under the Public and Political Behavior category, Pottery Barn Teen’s decision to feature a transgender activist represents a deliberate political stance that embraces progressive inclusion, counterbalancing traditional conservative leanings. This public endorsement of diversity and resistance to authoritarian norms aligns with anti-fascist values.

Pottery Barn, Once a Top 3 Conservative Brand, Faces Boycott for Trans Book
+80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 23

In the Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility category, the company’s use of inclusive marketing strategies — including promoting Pride Month items and partnering with figures like Jazz Jennings — demonstrates ethical responsibility and a commitment to progressive values. Such practices signal a rejection of exclusionary policies and support for marginalized communities.

Pottery Barn, Once a Top 3 Conservative Brand, Faces Boycott for Trans Book
MAR

30

2020

FTC Settlement Over Misleading 'Made in USA' Claims
-30.16

Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the parent company behind Pottery Barn Teen, settled with the FTC over false advertising that claimed products were made in the USA. This deceptive practice undermines consumer trust and feeds into nationalist narratives that can align with authoritarian ideologies.
-50

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 23

Pottery Barn Teen, as part of Williams-Sonoma's portfolio, engaged in misleading advertising by falsely claiming that its furniture products were made in the USA despite substantial evidence of imported components. This practice not only deceives consumers but also indirectly bolsters nationalist sentiments that can favor authoritarian narratives. The ethical breach in honest marketing reflects poor business practices.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Settles with FTC, Agrees to Stop Making Overly Broad and Misleading ‘Made in USA’ Claims about Houseware and Furniture Products
MAR

27

2020

FTC Settlement: False 'Made in USA' Claims Involving Pottery Barn Teen
-30.14

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has agreed to cease making misleading claims that Pottery Barn Teen products are entirely or predominantly made in the United States, following an FTC enforcement action. This ruling exposes deceptive business practices that could erode consumer trust and indirectly support exclusionary nationalist narratives.
-50

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 23

The FTC settlement reveals unethical business practices by allowing false advertising claims regarding product origins. By misleading consumers with claims that products are predominantly made in the USA, the company exploits nationalist sentiments which can contribute to authoritarian narratives. Such practices raise serious concerns relating to Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc., In the Matter of - Federal Trade Commission