Heath E. Combs
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — A brown leather sofa sold by retailer Vanaik Furniture and Mattress here bore a label

describing its color as “nigger-brown,” shocking the customer who saw the label when the product was delivered, according to The Toronto Star. (click here to see news article)

The 30-year-old resident, who is black and a New York native, said a loveseat and chair in the same set, each in dark brown leather, had similar labels, according to the story. The woman’s 7-year-old daughter discovered the label after the delivery men left.

The customer reported calling the store four times and said her calls had not been returned.

Romesh Kumar, Vanaik’s assistant manager, told the Star the blame was with his supplier, Cosmos Furniture in Scarborough, Ontario, who in turn said the blame was with the manufacturer in Guangzhou, China. The story did not identify the Chinese producer, but quoted the Cosmos official as saying he would demand the company remove similar labels.

Cosmos Furniture and Vanaik’s have not responded to Furniture/Today’s request for comment.