The Real Secret Of Undies From Victoria’s Secret

Despite a 2010 expose by Today show that revealed some retailers, including retail giants Gap, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom return used underwear on the shelves, another round of secret monitoring this 2014 caught three retails still engaged in the same unsanitary practice.

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Caught in the act are Victoria's Secret, Wal-Mart and Marshalls which were also included in 2010. Esquire reports that the Today investigative team again used hidden surveillance cameras to have proof of the stores' wrong practices.

To distinguish returned underwear from those that are still fresh and unopened from the pack, the store staff marked the price tag with little dots.

When informed of being caught red-handed, Victoria's Secret said in a statement, "Our top priority is our customers' satisfaction and safety. The actions you describe are a clear and significant violation of our policy. We take this situation very seriously and are taking immediate action to re-educate all of our associates on the proper way to handle returns."

Wal-Mart said it has a clear and consistent policy on returned merchandise that had been reinforced several times on employees. It admitted what was captured by the cameras were violation of company policies. The retail giant called the situation not acceptable and advised customers who were sold used underwear to return the item and get a refund.

Marshalls explained that goods being returned that have indicators of having been worn are not accepted. In cases when it appears the apparel, particularly swimwear and other clothing items that have contact with private parts or genitals or breasts, the store require the attachment of the price tag when returned. It expressed disappointment that some of its employees failed to follow established policies. Marshalls added it would reinforce those guidelines to all its outlets.

Macy's, Bloomingdales, Gap and Nordstrom either marked those returned intimate merchandise as damaged or kept them in a back room, but not mixed with fresh inventory.

To contact the writer, email: v.hernandez@ibtimes.com.au