Eight deaths from a factory fire are the latest from a string of tragedies in Bangladesh, the world's second largest apparel producer after China. In November another fire killed 112 people and more recently the death toll from the collapse of an eight-story garment factory—referred to as Rana Plaza—has climbed above 900. It has been reported that the factory owners were aware of critical structural damages, but did nothing to rectify them.

The events have brought international attention to the South Asian country's $20 billion per year readymade garment industry, where hazardous conditions and wages as low as $38.50 per month help stock the shelves of Western retailers.

According to Dennis Nazari, owner of the Salt Lake-based snowboard shop Salty Peaks: "The single biggest threat to every snowsports retailer is the 'No Questions Asked' return policy, which is only offered by two retailers in the indudstry: REI and Backcountry.com."