PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Powell’s Books is responding to criticism to its new merchandise designs after customers and its employees’ union said the designs appeared to have used artificial intelligence to create the images.

The designs initially drew skepticism on Reddit last weekend, with one user noting "some of the books look a little wonky."

In a Saturday statement, the bookstore aimed to address the controversy, claiming the designs were created by a local artist using Adobe tools, which have AI-assisted features.

Meanwhile, ILWU Local 5, the union which represents Powell’s workers, posted on social media Wednesday regarding the new merchandise.

"Powell's workers have been voicing concerns about the use of AI in these designs for months and company leadership has been unmoved," th

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