Last Updated
Case Status
Pending
In the Matter of Chaucer Accessories, Inc., a corporation, also d/b/a Chaucer Leather Corp.; Bates Accessories, Inc., a corporation, also d/b/a Thomas Bates, TB Phelps, David Spencer Shoes, and Custom Brand Footwear; Bates Retail Group, Inc., a corporation; and Thomas P. Bates, individually and as an officer of Chaucer Accessories, Inc.; Bates Accessories, Inc.; and Bates Retail Group, Inc.
FTC Matter/File Number
222 3163
Enforcement Type
Part 2 Consents
Case Summary
The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against a group of Massachusetts- and New Hampshire-based clothing accessories companies, along with their owner, Thomas Bates, for falsely claiming that certain company products were manufactured in the U.S. The FTC’s order stops the companies and Bates from making deceptive claims about products being “Made in USA” and requires them to pay a monetary judgment.
In November, 2024, the FTC sent more than $140,000 to consumers who were deceived by false Made in USA claims from New England-based clothing companies Chaucer Accessories and Bates Accessories, along with Bates Retail Group.