Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Victoria Classics Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively by Target Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo Roman Shades

Units: About 163,000

Importer: Victoria Classics of Edison, N.J.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Exposed operating cords can knot or tangle creating a strangulation loop.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall includes two styles of shades – Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo roman Shades – all have a small sewn-in label on the back that reads “home, Made in China.” The shades measure about 64 inches long. The widths of the thermal shades are 23, 27, 31 and 35 inches and were sold in coffee, red, ivory and tan. The widths of the Matchstick roman shades are 23, 27, 31, 35 and 36 inches and are brown.

Sold at: Target stores and at Target.com nationwide from September 2008 through June 2009 for between $15 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled roman shades and contact Victoria Classics to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Victoria Classics toll-free at (800) 583-9845 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET daily, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.victoriaclassics.com

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Shades and Roll-up blinds in their homes. If looped pull cords, exposed inner cords, or exposed lifting loops are found and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing the blinds or shades with products that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall. This is in "streaming video" format.