Wonder what happens to H&M‘s clothes that don’t sell? Well, unlike many retailers who sell their unsold merchandise to discounters like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, H&M reportedly takes a knife to its clothes. According to the New York Times, instead of slashing prices, H&M just slashes its merchandise. (Apparently, this is Walmart‘s practice too.) The slashed goods include everything from shirts and pants, to socks, gloves and children’s shoes. Even tons of plastic hangers are tossed. Why? Allegedly, because it’s cheaper than shipping the items and it’s also to prevent the items from being worn or re-sold. But wouldn’t it be better and more socially responsible to just donate the unsold items to charities?

What do you think – is it wasteful or worth the savings?

NYT reports that its inquiries to H&M’s US headquarters were not yet responded to.