Williams-Sonoma Fined $3.17 million for Deceptive Made in USA Claims on Chinese Manufactured Products

Williams-Sonoma has been ordered by both the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to pay a $3.17 million civil penalty for falsely claiming that its products were made in America when they were actually manufactured in China. FTC Chair Lina M. Khan stated, “Williams-Sonoma claimed its products were made in the United States even though they were made in China. Williams-Sonoma’s deception misled consumers and harmed honest American businesses.” This fine follows an order imposed by the FTC last year that demanded William-Sonoma Inc., which owns several brands including Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Rejuvenation, to only make truthful claims about their products’ country of origin. As part of this settlement, Williams-Sonoma has admitted its wrongdoing and agreed to keep records on the manufacturing locations for future reporting purposes. The FTC accused William-Sonoma Inc. Of misleading consumers by advertising several product lines as being entirely or almost completely made in America under brands such as Goldtouch, Rejuvenation, Pottery Barn Teen, and Pottery Barn Kids.