File this under global marketing fail? After it was announced that Ralph Lauren would once again be creating the outfits worn by United States Olympic athletes during the opening ceremonies in London, members of Congress are now upset the clothing will be made in China. Here’s what Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had to say about the blunder:
“I am so upset. I think the Olympic committee should be ashamed of themselves. I think they should be embarrassed. I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again. If they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it, painted by hand, then that’s what they should wear.”
And now the Olympic committee has responded to the criticism in a statement, although Ralph Lauren has not commented:
“Unlike most Olympic teams around the world, the U.S. Olympic Team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company, and excited to watch America’s finest athletes compete at the upcoming Games in London.”
Big deal or much ado about nothing?
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