Matalan The Miserly

I am not keen on purchasing from companies that exploit the opportunities presented by global capitalism, primarily by using low-paid workforces throughout the world to maximise profits on items sold to us in the western world. It is an act perpetrated by a system that encourages and enables morally bankrupt to flourish through ruthlessness and selfishness. Unfortunately, like most of us in the west, at times we have almost no option but to buy from many of these cheap high street chains. Many of us do so knowing the full implications of our purchases, and exactly why these items are so cheap, despite the huge profits being generated by these brands. The employees of these factories work on clothing for western consumption in truly atrocious conditions, often being over-worked, terrible living and working conditions, or in many cases worse. However, all of this is ignored by the company, by its marketing teams, and most importantly for this façade of guilt free shopping to continue, by the consumers. We do not know about it, and we do not care about, because they are not from our world. They are not from the developed world. An attitude that has paved the way for the brazen attitudes towards cheap labour, and their rights, that we see all around us.

So what does this have to do with Matalan? Well they are just one of many, many retailers exploiting this abundant resource comprised of huge swathes of impoverished people in the world, and a perfect example of the uncaring, calculating nature of global capitalism. Especially in light of the tragic events in Bangladesh over a year ago, and their refusal so far to pay the necessary compensation to the victims and their families. The continued stalling over what should be a straight forward admission of guilt only exposes the company (and the many others like them) for what they are. A company that places the needs of their owners ahead of the right to safety, security, and anything resembling a decent living standard for its indirect (and hidden) employees. 

When you examine the numbers associated with this example of execrable behaviour towards members of Matalan's own global supply chain it brings the nature of this facet of western consumption into focus. The sharp contrast between how Matalan wishes to be perceived as a family friendly brand, and the truth (that they couldn't care less about the families of those victims), is eye-opening for many. When you see the figures it becomes increasingly difficult to comprehend the callousness of the family who owns Matalan, the Hargreaves family (just so everyone knows who they are). 

1. In 2013-14 tax year Matalan made sales of £1.12billion.

2. Forbes list the Hargreaves net worth as $1.3billion.

3. Matalan only owe the fund £3million.

4. For their troubles the sweatshop workers of Bangladesh earned on average $38.50 per month whilst creating all those profits for Matalan et al.

Yet it looks like this appalling situation will bypass most of Matalan's customers, in addition to the plethora of other value brands consumers once again. All whilst the sweatshop, as a tool for profit masquerading as opportunities for the impoverished, is defended by many of those within the establishment.