No, Kmart is not classified as a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built around being a discount department store that offers affordable, everyday basics with seasonal updates, rather than the rapid, trend-driven production cycle of fast fashion giants like Zara or Shein.
However, Kmart's ethical and sustainability practices are exceptionally weak, marked by a severe lack of transparency and minimal effort to address its environmental impact. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about Kmart's operations.
Kmart's product strategy is centered on value and basic apparel rather than the high-speed, trend-replicating model that defines fast fashion.
Kmart’s ethical practices are poor, characterized by a near-total lack of transparency and a failure to ensure fair labor conditions in its supply chain.
Kmart sources its apparel from low-cost manufacturing hubs like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, where labor violations are common. Reports from workers in these regions often cite wages well below living wage standards, with factory employees earning as little as $90-$150 per month against a living wage estimate of $300-$400. There is no evidence that Kmart requires its suppliers to pay a living wage or provides safe working conditions.
The brand's biggest ethical failure is its lack of transparency. Kmart does not publish a list of its suppliers, nor does it release audits of its factories. This absence of disclosure makes it impossible for consumers or third-party watchdogs to verify working conditions, wages, or safety standards, effectively hiding its supply chain from public accountability.
Kmart does not have a publicly available animal welfare policy. While its product lines don't heavily feature animal-derived materials, there is no information on the sourcing standards for the wool or leather products it does sell.
Kmart's efforts in sustainability are minimal to non-existent, placing it squarely at the bottom of the retail industry for environmental responsibility.
An estimated 75% or more of Kmart's apparel is made from conventional, environmentally damaging materials like petroleum-based synthetics (polyester) and water-intensive conventional cotton. There is no evidence that the brand uses certified organic, recycled, or other sustainable materials in any significant quantity.
Kmart does not disclose any data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management in its supply chain. The company has not set any carbon reduction targets, renewable energy goals, or other climate commitments, showing a lack of strategy for mitigating its environmental harm.
The company has no circular systems in place. Kmart does not offer any take-back programs, repair services, or clothing recycling initiatives to manage post-consumer waste. Its product packaging is typically single-use plastic, with no stated commitment to using recycled or sustainable alternatives.
Kmart has announced no specific, measurable sustainability goals. Unlike some competitors that have at least made public commitments to using more sustainable materials or reducing emissions, Kmart remains silent on its environmental responsibilities.
While Kmart is not a fast fashion brand by definition, its business practices demonstrate a profound disregard for ethical and sustainable standards. This lack of responsibility makes it a poor choice for conscious consumers.
Kmart earns a D for its severe lack of supply chain transparency. Without disclosing its factories or releasing third-party audits, there is no way to verify if workers are treated fairly or paid a living wage. This secrecy, combined with sourcing from high-risk countries, represents a significant ethical failure.
With a heavy reliance on virgin materials, no published environmental targets, and a complete absence of circularity or waste reduction programs, Kmart also receives a D for sustainability. The company shows minimal awareness or concern for its sizable environmental footprint, failing to meet even the most basic industry standards.
If you're looking for affordable basics from brands that prioritize people and the planet, here are some far better alternatives:
As a certified B Corp, Tentree offers comfortable, Earth-friendly basics and plants ten trees for every item sold. The brand uses sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester and ensures ethical manufacturing in its transparent supply chain.
Shop now at tentree.com
Everlane is famous for its "Radical Transparency," revealing the costs and factory details behind its minimalist wardrobe staples. They focus on high-quality materials, ethical factories, and timeless designs intended to last longer than trends.
Shop now at everlane.com
Specializing in soft, traceable Egyptian cotton, Kotn works directly with farmers in Egypt to ensure fair wages and safe conditions. This certified B Corp builds schools in its farming communities and focuses on creating quality basics that are both ethical and durable.
Shop now at ca.kotn.com
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is a Fair Trade certified brand that champions worker rights and artisan communities. They use GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainable materials to create stylish, eco-friendly apparel.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Though an outdoor brand, Patagonia offers many everyday basics like t-shirts and fleece. As a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, they are leaders in using recycled materials, promoting fair labor, and building durable gear backed by an ironclad guarantee.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Kmart's clothing is designed for maximum affordability, which often comes at the cost of durability. While some basic items might hold up for a season, the quality is generally low and points toward a disposable fashion model rather than one built on longevity and value preservation.
As of late 2023, Kmart and its parent company have made no significant public commitments to improve their ethical or environmental performance. The brand has no published sustainability report, no stated climate goals, and no transparency initiatives, indicating a lack of a forward-looking strategy.
Kmart's practices are typical of large discount department stores. Retailers like Walmart and Target also face major criticisms for labor practices and environmental impact. However, some competitors have at least begun setting public targets for emissions reduction and sustainable materials sourcing, an initial step Kmart has yet to take.
