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About Brooks
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Brooks FAQsCorporate ResponsibilityGeneralCorporate Responsibilitya. Where does Brooks manufacture its products?While we design, engineer, and specify every component and stitch of our high performance running gear in the U.S., we manufacture in factories around the world. Countries of manufacture include China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Korea, Turkey, Greece, Israel, the Philippines, Thailand, and Canada. b. How do you choose where your products are made?Brooks only makes high-performance, technical running gear sold through premium retail channels. We believe our product quality standards are the highest in the industry, and our consumers expect nothing less from us. To maintain these standards, we work with the best partners in the business. While we design, engineer, and specify every component and stitch of our gear in the U.S.—where Brooks is headquartered—we manufacture in factories around the world where the infrastructure, resources, capacity, and reasonable cost of goods for building such product exists. c. How do you pick your factories?In our efforts to establish solid, long-term, and mutually beneficial relationships with business partners, we are very careful when selecting our manufacturers. We make certain each one meets our social compliance standards prior to establishing a business relationship. We visit the factory, observe its facilities, and conduct a third-party social compliance audit to approve the manufacturer prior to production of one Brooks shoe or technical garment in that facility. We also require factories to commit to not using restricted substances in the production of our gear. Our commitment to quality leads us to pursue business partners with the best facilities and working conditions. d. How much communication do you have with your factories?We have continual communication with all factory partners. Our sourcing directors and developers visit our factories regularly and communicate with our factories daily. In addition to our third-party social compliance and security audits, our internal quality control inspectors conduct audits regularly at these facilities. e. Does Brooks ever sever relationships with factories that violate the Companys Code of Conduct?Yes, we do. Brooks selects partners carefully and commits to educating our suppliers on social and environmental principles so that if any problems arise, we can work together toward continuous improvement in these areas. It is our policy to encourage and help the factory to make necessary changes. If the factory is unwilling to make improvements, we will terminate the relationship. f. Which countries supply your more environmentally friendly shoes?All Brooks shoes are designed in the U.S. and manufactured in Southern China. g. Have countries that make Brooks shoes ratified and given effect to the core International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions?All Brooks products are designed and engineered in the U.S. and manufactured in Southern China. China has ratified four of the fundamental ILO conventions on discrimination (C.100 , C.111) and child labor (C.138, C.182). Since China has not ratified all of ILO’s principals, we require our factories to sign a “Working Conditions Policy and Commitments” document in which they agree to be in compliance with the local labor laws (including age requirements, fair wages); not employ child/forced/slave labor; and provide adequate food, housing, and medical coverage to all employees. h. Is there a process by which workers can make complaints if their rights are not being respected your suppliers?Yes, we have phone number and address through which workers can make complaints if their rights are not being respected by our suppliers. A third-party service is contracted to provide us with the translations for any calls or letters received. The address and phone number is located in our Code of Conduct, which is posted in each of our factories in a location accessible by all employees and in the local language spoken by the workers. i. What steps does Brooks take to address complaints when they are brought to the company?Our Human Resources management team at our parent company, Fruit of the Loom, reviews all calls and letters. If an investigation is required, Fruit of the Loom works with Brooks to explore and rectify, if necessary, any violation(s) claimed by the caller. j. What is Brooks carbon footprint?Brooks recently partnered with The Bainbridge Graduate Institute to benchmark our company's sustainable business practices and attempt to wrap our heads around our carbon footprint. While we have a sense of the environmental impact we create through shipping, travel, and operations at our corporate office and distribution center, one of our most significant environmental impacts occurs at the factory level. At this time, we do not have accurate carbon footprint assessments from our factories. The picture muddies as you begin to look up the supply chain toward materials we source and what impact those sourcing partners incur to develop the technologies we use. Given all this, arriving at an accurate and complete carbon footprint figure becomes even more challenging. That won’t change until universally accepted tracking measures are in place. So in lieu of a way to pinpoint our total carbon footprint at this time, we currently focus more on eco-improvements we know we can make and track, such as our Design for Environment approach toward creating product. We currently work with sustainability advisors from OASIS Environmental and Sustainable Business Consulting to further our progress in areas such as carbon footprint. k. How do we incorporate sustainability into our business?Brooks is a company full of employees who are active, enjoy the outdoors, and are vocal about their personal interests to protect the environment. This grassroots passion gives us a firm foundation on which to build sustainability efforts. But running an entire business and making strategic decisions with sustainability as a key pillar is no easy task. It’s an ongoing journey that’s as challenging as it is exciting. At Brooks, eco-efforts are incorporated into our core business values. That means every employee has the power to think and act on the job with the environment in mind. We have a strategic sustainability team tasked with driving the vision and focus for our efforts, and we are creating individual goals company-wide. Sustainability doesn’t rest on the shoulders of one individual or team; we all contribute the problem. . .and the solution. GeneralCan I buy Brooks footwear and apparel online?Yes! You can purchase the entire line of Brooks footwear and apparel online. Click the links below to see what's available. Does Brooks have any outlet stores?Yes. Brooks has two outlet stores, located in Auburn and Bothell, WA. How can I become a Brooks retailer?Please contact Brooks Customer Service at customerservice@brooksrunning.com for the contact information of your local Brooks sales representative. Thank you for your interest. How can I get a Brooks sponsorship?Brooks Sports sponsors a number of charitable causes, athletes and events:
Brooks Sports Attn: Jesse Williams 19820 North Creek Parkway, Suite 200 Bothell, WA 98011 How do I clean my Brooks footwear?Hand-wash them with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For best results, clean your shoes immediately after they’re exposed to mud or dirt. Then let the shoes air-dry at room temperature. It is important that you do not machine-wash or machine-dry your shoes. How do I know what style of Brooks shoes I own?Our style numbers are printed under the tongue of every shoe. For assistance in finding your shoes’ style number, please email Brooks Customer Service at customerservice@brooksrunning.com. How do I know which shoe is right for me?Brooks recommends that you visit your local running and walking footwear store for a proper fitting and guidance to help you find just the right shoe. Or, visit our online Shoe Advisor for shoe recommendations based on your individual needs. For further assistance, contact Brooks Customer Service at customerservice@brooksrunning.com or 1-800-227-6657. How do I return or exchange items I purchased online at brooksrunning.com?To return or exchange item(s):
If you choose to exchange your item, we will provide FREE outbound shipping for the new item. You're responsible for the cost of return shipping. On returns or exchanges, please protect your return by getting a tracking number and/or insurance from the post office, UPS, or whichever shipper you choose for return of your items. If you need additional help, please call 1-800-2-BROOKS for assistance. What is Brooks' warranty policy?When used for its intended purposes, Brooks footwear has a life expectancy of 300 to 500 miles or three to six months. Brooks stands behind the quality, performance and workmanship of our products. If you are not pleased with your Brooks product experience, simply return the product to its place of purchase. If the retailer is unable to assist you, you’re covered by our True Blue Guarantee. Brooks' True Blue Guarantee Follow these steps for replacement or exchange:
Brooks is dedicated to providing unparalleled service. If we can be of further assistance to you, please contact Brooks Customer Service at 1-800-227-6657 (U.S. only). Canadian residents can get assistance by calling Brooks Canada at 1-800-668-5480. Where can I find a retailer that carries Brooks running and walking footwear and apparel?Please visit our online Dealer Finder to locate a store near you. If you are looking for a specific item, please call ahead as not all stores carry all items. Which Brooks shoes are offered in widths?Yes. Running shoes offered in widths include the best-selling Adrenaline™ GTS, Defyance (M's/W's), Dyad, Beast® (men’s only), Ariel® (women’s only), and Addiction™. For walking shoes available in widths, check out the Addiction™ Walker and Addiction™ Walker V-Strap. |
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