A devastating fire in a clothing factory in Bangladesh has cost more than a thousand lives and counting, all because of suppliers' complete disregard for corporate requirements around building safety and workplace conditions. The implications for major retailers and apparel manufacturers are significant. Companies like PVH (PVH -0.04%), Walt Disney (DIS 0.30%), Sears (SHLDQ), Gap (GPS -3.73%), and Wal-Mart (WMT 1.43%) are responding in various ways. One thing is certain: This is an important issue for consumers and investors to monitor going forward.