Choice Company directory
West Elm — Company research | Choice 22 Choice score Out of 100

Does this score look right?

Updated

What Choice found

The FTC alleged Williams-Sonoma made misleading “Made in USA” claims about Goldtouch Bakeware, Rejuvenation products and Pottery Barn Teen and Kids upholstered furniture, including products with imported components. In March 2020, the company agreed to a proposed order barring unsupported claims and requiring a $1 million payment; the release describes a proposed settlement, not a final order.

Against Corporate conduct
Sources
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/03/williams-sonoma-inc-settles-ftc-agrees-stop-making-overly-broad-misleading-made-usa-claims-about
Home products and kitchen wares company Williams-Sonoma Inc. has agreed to stop making false, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims that all of its Goldtouch Bakeware products, its Rejuvenation-branded products, and Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids-branded upholstered furniture products are all or virtually all made in the United States.

In a lawsuit filed in 2016, customers alleged Williams-Sonoma misled them about the high thread count of bedding sold under its Pottery Barn and West Elm brands. At a November 1, 2023 hearing, a federal judge said he was inclined to certify the case as a class action; the evidence does not report a final certification ruling.

Against Corporate conduct
Sources
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/williams-sonoma-consumer-bedding-class-likely-to-be-certified
Williams-Sonoma Inc. customers who allege the retailer misled them about the high-thread count bedding on its Pottery Barn and West Elm lines tentatively convinced a federal judge Wednesday their lawsuit should be certified as a class action.

On its Q4 2024 earnings call, CEO Laura Alber said Williams-Sonoma would be “tight on employment” in 2025 and use AI to offset headcount growth. CFO Jeff Howie said the company was embedding AI in call centers and back-office operations and exploring other uses. These were plans; the company did not immediately respond to a comment request.

You decide AI & automation
Sources
https://www.ciodive.com/news/williams-sonoma-AI-curb-headcount-growth-cost-savings/743203/
Williams-Sonoma is turning to AI to drive savings and reduce the need to hire additional workers this year, executives said Wednesday during the company’s Q4 2024 earnings call. The West Elm and Pottery Barn parent company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DDK Hotels’ subsidiary sued West Elm, a Williams-Sonoma subsidiary, over a failed venture to develop West Elm-branded hotels. In July 2020, a federal court allowed a breach-of-contract claim to proceed while dismissing other claims, including breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The complaint alleged West Elm and Williams-Sonoma attempted to act against the venture’s interests.

Against Corporate conduct
Sources
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/williams-sonoma-escapes-some-claims-over-west-elm-hotel-venture
According to the complaint, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma—aided by one of DDK’s managers, David Wasserman—attempted to ...

On December 3, 2019, the Human Rights Campaign announced a redesigned “Love is Love” collection with West Elm, including ornaments, tea towels and mugs. HRC said that for the past three years West Elm had donated half the retail price of these items to support its LGBTQ equality work.

In favor LGBTQ+ policies
Sources
https://www.hrc.org/news/hrc-west-elm-introduce-new-love-is-love-collection
For the past three years, West Elm has donated half of the retail price of these items to HRC, benefiting HRC’s work on the front lines in the fight for LGBTQ equality.
About & ownership
Category
Specialty Retailers
Website
westelm.com
Alternatives to West Elm