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- Feb 11, 2008
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Eva, you gotta bring back Epaulet shoes!
I know they were a nightmare with returns, but how about getting pre orders going for those that know their sizing? These shoes were really a great product.
Thanks so much guys, it's great to hear that the sneakers are still holding up!
Honestly, I'd love to be back in the footwear business. It would be tough to swing that sneaker collection these days though. I think a lot of people are disappointed with what's out there because the quality has gotten significantly worse.
Costs (both labor and materials) have skyrocketed in the past 8 years, but I don't think the acceptable MSRP has moved up to match. When it comes to goodyear welt product like Aldens... that crowd will accept price increases every year. But it seems that most sub-luxury sneakers have to live in the low to mid 200s, and they're only managing to keep it there by dropping the quality of their materials and craftsmanship. If I was putting out the sneakers of 2015 now, I'd be charging at least $295 for basic calf and closer to $350 for the chrome tanned hide. I honestly think that it would be hard to get a critical mass of customers going to meet those prices. At least with production at my old factory.
That said, doing footwear again is definitely a goal of mine. I don't know if its going to be sneakers, but I'd love to find something that makes sense which is made in South America. I'll be going to the sourcing show in Vegas in a few weeks to look for that... among other things. I'll report back with what I find!