Is Cider Clothing Ethical?
Owner and founder Michael Wang introduced cider in 2020. This garment brand has soared to success thanks to its Hong Kong headquarters and a sizable online following.
Their goal to offer stylish clothing at affordable pricing has contributed significantly to their appeal. Because they only manufacture what customers will buy and nothing more, their production technique greatly aids in this, and their ethical business practices are the cherry on top of a well-run operation.
Cider’s pricing model isn’t sustainable.
Some shoppers have complained that Cider’s pricing model is not sustainable, especially given that it offers luxury items at very affordable prices. Some users have even gone so far as to accuse the company of sourcing stock from a website known as AliExpress. While legal, this approach isn’t the most ethical way to conduct business.
The lack of transparency in Cider’s sustainability practices is a concern, as the company does not disclose the manufacturing processes for its products. It also does not provide details about its environmental sustainability practices. Moreover, Cider lacks a sustainability program that monitors consumer behavior and determines the most efficient way to recycle its packaging. This means the company is unethical and unsustainable, as it does not meet its promised environmental goals.
Cider’s merchandise is generally of high quality, but some pieces tend to fall apart after a few uses. It is a popular retailer among Gen-Z consumers and is famous for its unretouched photos used in its advertisements. It has also won praise for its body-positive message and inclusive sizing. It also has a solid social media presence, which helps it reach a broader market.
The company has an excellent concept for making fast fashion:
- It works with Chinese clothing manufacturers to curate the perfect wardrobe for its customers.
- It uses an algorithm to suggest clothes for its customers. This is similar to how TikTok recommends videos based on users’ preferences. In addition, Cider offers a made-to-order concept.
- It drops-ships the clothing to its customers.
Despite these problems, the cider industry continues to grow. Many of the industry’s newcomers come from underrepresented groups. For example, the Lost Boy Cidery employs a significant minority of bisexual and LGBTQ employees. The American Cider Association (ACA) has a committee dedicated to diversity in the beverage industry, and Redfield Cider Company serves on its Antiracism, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
Shop Cider’s sizing technique is annoying.
It is difficult to find a size in Shop Cider’s clothes because of their inconsistency with measurements. This sizing technique is particularly irritating if you are a more prominent woman. Shop Cider makes its clothes to order and then drops-ships them to customers in the United States. This model reduces the amount of waste in the fashion industry and keeps inventory to a minimum. However, it may take a couple of weeks before the clothing is shipped to you.
Whether looking for clothes for yourself or a gift, Shop Cider is one of the places to go. The company is known for selling fun and unique apparel. Unfortunately, despite several options for plus-size women, Shop Cider’s sizing technique is annoying and causes problems in purchasing shirts.
Although Shop Cider is a fast fashion retailer, its unique approach makes it stand out from other clothing stores. It acts as a curator between Chinese clothing manufacturers and their consumers. While some Chinese apparel factories will sell you anything they can find, this online retailer works with data to pick quality pieces that fit your body type and style.
Shop Cider’s labor policy isn’t disclosed.
Shop Cider’s labor policy isn’t disclosed, which could lead to problems for some customers. While this type of retail operation is not illegal, it is not the most ethical business model. The company works with many different manufacturers and doesn’t always know the working conditions at each one. The company is also accused of stealing designs, which is against the law.
In addition to being unreliable about its suppliers’ labor practices, Cider struggles to be transparent in its product delivery. Although the company prides itself on “celebrating smart fashion,” it doesn’t disclose how its products are made. Because Cider is a fast fashion company, it implements high-volume production methods when demand warrants them. As a result, hundreds of customers have complained about ill-fitting garments and poor quality products.
In addition, Cider uses a made-to-order model. The garments are made at a factory and dropped-shipped to customers in the United States. This method reduces the amount of clothing wasted on fast fashion and inventory waste. However, the production process may take a few weeks.