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Lands’ End Apologizes for Gloria Steinem Catalog Feature After Complaints From Anti-Abortion Customers

Lands’ End Apologizes for Gloria Steinem Catalog Feature After Complaints From Anti-Abortion Customers
Gloria Steinem Richard Saker/Shutterstock

Taking it back. After Lands’ End featured an interview with notable feminist activist Gloria Steinem in its spring catalog, the brand’s anti-abortion customers complained.

In response to a flood of enraged comments on its Facebook page, Lands’ End took down the article from its website and online catalog on Thursday, February 25. “Some customers were troubled and concerned that we featured an interview with Gloria Steinem in a recent catalog. Lands’ End is committed to providing our loyal customers and their families with stylish, affordable, well-made clothing,” the company wrote via social media. “We greatly respect and appreciate the passion people have for our brand. It was never our intention to raise a divisive political or religious issue, so when some of our customers saw the recent promotion that way, we heard them. We sincerely apologize for any offense.”

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Steinem was part of a new “Legends Series” that focuses on influential women who have made a difference. According to the Associated Press, the Wisconsin-based company, known for its outerwear and monogrammed totes, said it never intended “to take any political or religious stance” by including the Fund for Women’s Equality board member.

Although the catalog’s feature did not mention abortion, some commenters on the brand’s Facebook page voiced concerns and threatened to stop shopping at Lands’ End. “I have shopped with you because your clothing has been the most modest, stylish, and best value for my family. After looking at your latest catalog however, I was horrified,” Holly Kellam commented on the Lands’ End Facebook page. “You obviously don’t know who shops with you, or maybe you do and don’t care. In the midst of the celebration of Easter (life), you interview and glorify a woman who fosters a culture of death.”

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Even some school systems, who previously used Lands’ End uniforms, have stopped using the brand as their distributor, reports the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.

Since Lands’ End released its apology, some of the company’s consumers are upset that they’ve given in. “What a terrible message to send to all the women and girls who wear your clothes,” Christina Burrows Refford wrote. “I’m sorry you see equal rights for women as a divisive issue. I see it as a human issue.”

Tell Us: What do you think of Lands’ End’s apology?

 

 

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