Is “America-Washing” the Next Big Thing?

By Doug Stephens

Walmart CEO Mike Duke surprised analysts this week by announcing that the majority of the products the retailer sells are made in the United States.  The accuracy of the statement is questionable at best, leaving many analysts incredulous.  But the bigger question is whether this sort of declaration is indicative of a trend.

I can’t help but be reminded of “green-washing” that some brands engaged in at the front end of the environmental movement, making dubious and in some cases blatantly false claims about the sustainability of their products.

I wonder if in their zeal to cash in on whatever degree of patriotic consumer sentiment may exist, some retail brands might “America-wash” wherever they can?

If you see or hear of any instances of what you regard as “America-washing” let us know.