The hardware chain stops all sales until they have several tests of the reflex harness.
"I was startled. I knew my seven-year-old daughter was out at the neighbor's house playing with a reflective harness," says Hanne Larsen to Altaposten, about whether the west store chain now withdraws from all stores in Norway.
Larsen was made aware that the harness reflected poorly when she was contacted by a driver who did not see her walking along the road wearing the reflex reflector.
The harness, which is aimed at joggers and cyclists, was withdrawn shortly after the newspaper's contact with MadsChristian Gribbestad, communications adviser in Clas Ohlson, from the store.
"For us, the safety of our customers is the most important thing. We regard this as so serious that all stores in Norway have now been told to pull the product in question until both we and the Danish supplier get it tested further," says Gribbestad to Nettavisen.
In Norway and the EU, reflectors are required to be CE marked. This should assure the consumer that the product has a so-called minimum reflection.
Where could it have failed, so this product anyway ended up for sale?
All our reflexes comply with EU requirements. A recall message was sent to all our stores and we are now in dialogue with the manufacturer about several tests, as well as that we will run our tests internally. This is to reveal whether there is a production error on a single batch or if the problem is more extensive.
"If any customers feel uncomfortable with going with these, they can contact their nearest store and have the purchase canceled," says Gribbestad.
Clas Ohlson does not want to go out with how many such seals have been sold but states that it is not the most popular type of reflexes sold.
CE-stamped reflex
Safe traffic writes on their websites that the quality differences are large among the many different types of reflectors and manufacturers.
"There are also fun reflective products that give very little effect. Some are both fine and effective, while others produce almost no effect. Therefore, you should look for reflexes that have a CE mark," they write.
When it comes to recommending which solution works best, hanger reflexes and so-called slap wrap that can be attached around the arms and legs are highlighted. So in combination with a reflective vest, you should be on the safe side. Safe traffic points out that reflex spray only gives six to seven percent reflex power and is the worst solution.
