I know this guy that is full of fear and hatred. He has no less than five radically political bumper stickers on his car. He spends hours a day listening to conspiracy based talk radio. He refuses to go into Wal Mart under ANY conditions - imagined or conceived. He HATES our president no matter who he is. He claims to be a patriot. I'm not that guy. In fact, I think he's a sissy of the worst kind. I bring this up, because I've made a decision that might make me appear to stand on the same plank as the above mentioned namby-pamby. I've decided that the official Jalopy Journal store is going to move towards selling only products made in the USA. We aren't there yet. I've still got some stuff up for grabs that was made overseas - mostly our standard Gildan and Anvil t-shirts (made in Honduras) that are actually of pretty damned good quality, but from here on out I am going to restock with "Made in the USA" products only. It's not a political decision at all. It's a personal one. I have nothing against China, Singapore, Mexico, etc... It's just something I feel like I have to do and something I really want to do. The new book coming out on the 23rd was printed in the USA and that's a decision that we thought long and hard about. Had our goal been focused on distribution numbers, we couldn't have afforded it... But that's not our goal. And come to think of it, that's not my goal with anything I sell. This is a business... sure... But, I don't want to run it like a business. I want to run it like a passion. I want to enjoy what I do. And this is just a step to ensure that I continue down that path. Paying a little extra on the wholesale front is a small price to pay. Anyway, I bring this up for a couple of reasons: 1. I recently rebuilt the Jalopy Journal store front and included a "Made in the USA" badge. I don't want anyone to think I'm pulling wool with that line. As stated, we are headed there... 100% American Made. 2. I really don't want folks to think I'm going off the deep end with conspiracy. I've got nothing against overseas production when appropriate. It's just not appropriate for anything I do. That's it. NOTE: This thread will most likely dissolve into some hair brained political discussion and get closed. Please remember that no one on the internet gives a shit about your political stance and re-iterating it here is wasted typing. This isn't about politics.
No politics from me... I think it's great. I wish more companies had the ability to do the very same thing. Sadly, many that would even want to do this can't due to the economies of our world today (like the one I work for). While others could easily do this but choose not to so they can fatten the bottom line to the max. It is what it is... but it's always nice to see someone - whether seller or consumer - making a stand to support our economy and our jobs. Kudos!
Thank you. We need to support our fellow brother and sisters that are here trying to feed their families. Yes it does sound like a union message, sorry.
Love your resolve. Reminds me that I took the valve cover off the 1973 350 in my 32 the other day and it says "Heco in Mehico" on the head. Had no idea it was going on that long ago.
Great decision!! Don't sound so apologetic, be proud of your decision more places should do the same.
Good move. Hopefully you can restrict the items to completely made in the USA including all raw materials and components.
Yep... There are some great options actually. I've always sold American Apparel shirts. They are super soft... the type you pay $50 for at a department store. Some people hate them. Others, like me, love them. But there are also shirts similar to feel and form of Gildan and Anvil that are made in the USA. In fact, Anvil has an entire "Made in the USA" line. I'll be using those and other stateside brands for shirts. Just about everything else I sell is already made in the USA - Alliance tags, stickers, decals, etc... The hard nut to crack thus far has been hats. I've gotta couple of samples in the mail right now headed my way. I think I can find a viable, well-made, example... Thanks for the nice words fellas, but I don't deserve a pat on the back for the obvious.
Thank you for standing up for what you believe in. As a Veteran, I'm sure I speak for all the rest of us when I say you have 110% of my support.
I love American Apparel shirts for myself but I know a lot of guys who think they're "faggy". Sugar City has all of their shirts made in the USA from the cotton and garment making to the screen printing. I'm using shirts called PORT & COMPANY All American T. Its about double the price but when I decided to do Sugar City I knew I wanted that ethos to be a part of it. It's not about anti China or overseas it's just more about Pro Local. That's basically the basis of the company and even though I'm taking less profit during a time where I lost my job and am unemployed it's important to me to do things the way I think they should be done.
Good on You Ryan.... I have been doing and thinking about this myself for a while... And I am Canadian.,..lol...well close enough .. I hope... Roy
The Port and Company shirts are based on a Gildan cut and from what I've heard from people that have bought one, they wear nice and are comfy too!
Geez a few of the responses sound like they applaud Ryan's politics, where none were intended: "It's not a political decision at all. It's a personal one. I have nothing against China, Singapore, Mexico, etc... It's just something I feel like I have to do and something I really want to do." It's your store, Ryan, and you have every right (as an American !!) to run it the way you want. I'll support that.
The Jalopy Journal
