Expert Recall

Howard Aughinbaugh

On August 26, 2009, Toys “R” Us issued a bold offer to consumers: bring us your dangerous juvenile products and we’ll give you a discount on replacement products.
Or swap out products that are old and worn, which may be near the failure point.

While this is a commendable marketing tactic to get consumers into stores and sell products, it meets a greater need. It fosters goodwill in light of the increasingly stringent regulatory guidelines empowering the Consumer Product Safety Commission to take action and levy stiff penalties against retailers who continue to sell or stock products that have been recalled.

The proactive posture taken by Toys “R” Us to protect its customers from clothes, toys, or juvenile furniture that have been deemed harmful should be the alarm sounding for other companies to be aware and be prepared. Large chain retailers and small mom-and-pop stores alike need to understand the burden now on their shoulders to keep recalled products away from the consumer – especially when it comes to children. No longer does the product manufacturer have the sole responsibility, and liability, for product recall.

Time will tell whether Toys “R” Us will reap a financial harvest from this effort, but they are hedging their bets with the regulators. Let’s watch and see if other companies will follow suit.

Stericycle ExpertRECALL™ is the industry leader in recall logistics and regulatory compliance for consumer product, pharmaceutical, medical device, juvenile product, and food and beverage recalls. ExpertRECALL’s professionals are experts in recall management who can help you streamline the entire product recall process.