Woolworths is to remove a baby carrier product from its stores, following a meeting with a business owner who claimed the retailer had copied her idea, according to a Fin24 report. This comes after founder and designer of Ubuntu Baba baby carriers Shannon McLaughlin outlined in a blog post that the retailer copied her product idea.

Following a meeting with McLaughlin yesterday, Woolworths tweeted that it had completed the investigation into the allegations of copying.

‘While there are differences in our baby carrier, there are striking similarities which we acknowledge and take responsibility for,’ the retailer said.

‘We are removing all products from our stores and online. Customers who wish to return their product may do so for a full refund. We remain deeply committed to the development of small businesses in SA.’

The retailer said it apologised to McLaughlin and to customers who may have expected more of the retailer.

‘This is not in line with our values and goes against the very clear policy and creative guidelines we have in place for our design process. This lapse in process is being addressed internally.’

Full Fin24 report