I think this was a great question and hope others chime in.

I work in the footwear industry where 85% of shoes are manufactured in China. Actually, the number is higher due to the curious nature of duties.I know of one Japanese company that produces many shoes in an excellent Chinese factory but finishes the shoes,i.e. glues the soles on, in Japan. The shoes are considered Japanese made. Italian factories have had a similar practice for decades. Sorry for the digression…

Generally, I see a lot of mark-ups on the cost of goods as hedges for mark down money. As most manufacturers are dependent on department and chain stores, they hedge in case of poor sell through. If you have a product that sells poorly, for whatever reason, the buyer will have his/her hand out to protect the store’s margin requirement. A calculating brand/manufacturer will try to build, at least, part of the mark down within the wholesale cost. Such is how the game is played.

Regarding the Duckie/Odin collaboration, since it is a single retailer partnership, the mark ups do not need to build in the hedge. The store builds the mark up based on the actual COGs, freight, maybe a fee to Duckie Brown, and some LOP (labor, overhead, profit – money to keep the store open).

I love this type of project. Albam in England runs on a similar model. The value is really visible to the consumer. It is good for the small, local retailer, the domestic manufacturer, and ultimately the consumer (in value, satisfaction delivered). I really wish all these endeavors great success!

the black blazer isn’t just plain black. it has some subtle textured stripe that runs through it. i liked the tweed jacket better

Can’t please them all…..

“…but all tattoos are unnecessary.”

There. Much better. :-)

OK, OK, I’ll let Marines, sailors, and soldiers have theirs, as long as they’re tough, patriotic ones. But other than that….