When do Bananas look like Apples?

Banana Republic has graced our British shores.

And the scenes outside the store felt rather reminiscent of the launch of the iPhone and such like. People are evidently clamouring for the preppy chic at easy-to-cough-up prices.

But news of why their price tags are so palatable might have you choking on your golf shirt. The Guardian has reported that "US last night began an investigation into allegations that workers in India who make its clothes are being forced to work more than 70 hours a week for as little as 15p an hour". Nice. And they're not the only ones, The Independent tells similarly sad tales.

Perhaps the saddest thing of all is the note in The Guardian that Banana Republic, owned by Gap, is part of the Ethical Trading Initiative. And that "the corporate members supply about 70% of the UK's food and groceries and almost 40% of its garments".

Perhaps my definition of Ethical Trading is just a bit different. What do you think? We'd love to hear your comments.