New safety rules for children's clothes have stores in a fit
Another fine example of how government stinks. This new law, slated to start on February, 10th, could be the end of my business. I have been selling children's high-end clothing for almost 8 years now both online and to small shops across the country for many years. This has, at times, been our families sole income. Depending on how stringent they get with enforcing this law, it will force me and many other small businesses to close forever and take huge losses. Just what our economy needs, right?
It went through congress very quickly and since we don't have a union or organization to represent us(most of us are moms that work from home), they lumped us in with shady Chinese businesses who have no conscience and put out dangerous products that poison our children. On the other hand, many of us work-from-home moms will be forced to shut down which will devastate our economy when you consider how many crafters, small businesses and store owners will not be able to afford "big governments" testing. I continually come out with new lines and seasonal wear. It would cost us as much as we make to test it all. Since we aren't "organized" there is no one looking out for us who cares. I just learned of this law over the holidays and don't have time to take in how this would effect us. I am certain that if I stop working, we would have to declare bankruptcy.
Why don't they just start with regulating imports? Because that would make too much sense. They want to regulate everything and anyone(because democrats control both houses and they love more government). The real contaminate in children's lives are the toxins they use in baby bottles, sippy cups, vaccines and cheap dollar store toys, all imports. I make all of my apparel either in studio or locally. My blanks are made in Las Vegas, my seamstress lives 8 miles down the road. I don't use lead in anything that goes in our garments(plastics or otherwise). The domino effect will be that most mom and pop businesses that cater to children and babies will cease to exist. Everyone will be forced to shop at Target and Walmart. Most online specialty businesses will shut down.
Sigh. I just thought I should put this info out there because most people are totally unaware of what this will do to an industry that is about 85% woman owned. It has allowed me to stay at home and take care of my children and make enough to send them to Catholic school. That would also change. We would also have to move. So pray, if you are able, that something happens to help those of us who would be devastated by such an asinine law. In this economy, no one can afford to take another hit. Most of the stores that already carry our line have not re-ordered and new business will be obsolete. We have trouble competing with cheaply made overseas clothing as it is right now. I am so thankful that my husband is in a somewhat stable job and has employment. This would be an even more dark time for us if he was not. We could not afford the life we have without my income. I personally know many moms with special needs children in this field and they are scared to death right now. I am so anti-government at this point in my life. This just put that last nail in the coffin for me.
Children’s Products Containing Lead: Proposed Determinations Regarding Lead Content Limits on Certain Materials or Products; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
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