In difficult economic times like these, there seems to be a natural tendency amongst our customers to "Buy American". It just feels better to buy something made in the U.S. when everyone knows that millions of Americans are struggling. We certainly sympathize, and try wherever we can to buy, and promote, products made in the ol' USofA.

Today, we had two gentleman enter in the store, and the first question out of their mouths was: "What's on sale?" Which is a perfectly fair question when we have Sale signs in the window and we're trying to get rid of the last pieces from Fall before Spring starts shipping. We want sale shoppers --

Specifically, they asked about Bills Khakis since they knew everything they do is made in the U.S. There is a veritable plethora of items from Bills Khakis marked down 50% right now, from pants, to sportshirts to outerwear, all made in the U.S., and a steal at half-off. Nothing on sale seemed to suit them, but they asked about the year-round stuff, which I explained does not really go on sale, which seemed to take the wind out of their sails. They lamented the fact that not much is actually made in this country anymore, while at the same time sounding unwilling to spend on anything that was.

I can understand someone not wanting to pay $100 for khakis, and I can understand someone that turns their nose up at goods made in China, but I have a tough time with someone that says they only want to buy stuff that is "Made in America", but is unwilling to pay for it. There is no possible way for an American-made clothing item to compete with a comparable Chinese product when seamstresses in Asia are making $1.00/hr. It's impossible.

So how does a company like Bills Khakis stay in business? There's lots of ways, but first and foremost, it makes a better product than what it is available elsewhere. They believe in 100% customer satisfaction. They don't change their core products that have built up an extremely loyal following after 20 years, but they introduce just enough new stuff each season to satiate their fanatics (of which I am one). Theoretically, a company could try to do what they do in Asia, cheaper, but I can guarantee they won't do it as well.

Postscript: For those keeping score, brands like Bills Khakis, Agave Denimsmith, M-Clip, Ike Behar's TAILORED Collection & C.E.O. shirts, Mulholland's Alligator & Deerskin collection, Martin Dingman belts, and Wolverine's 1,000 Mile Boots are all made by craftsmen and craftswomen in the United States of America.

P.P.S. So as not to create the impression that everything not from the above vendors is made of a lesser quality, keep in mind that many of our other brands are made in countries that take a great amount of pride in their craft, including England, Spain, Italy, and France.