According to a great HBO documentary called Rags to Riches: Schmatta, the scope of change in the United States apparel industry is devastating. In 1965, 95% of all apparel BOUGHT in this country was MADE here as well. Through law and policy change over the next 40 years, that percentage moved steadily downward, settling in at just 5% in 2000.
If you ever see it advertised, watch it. It shows a vital, thriving and bustling industry drying up, and nearly dying on the vine.
The industry is not gone, and CHELSEA tries to support manufacturers that make clothing and shoes here in the states. When we added itr all up, we spurpised ourselves at the extent. We don't buy American just because it is, but when it's good product, that detail matters. Because of the similoarities in our economies and work force pay rates, we consider Canada to be almost as good for our North American economy, and we apply the same measure there.
These products are not the low-cost providers, but they are the high quality and high return on investment! We don't need to say it, but it fells good anyway: Buy American and Canadian when you can, and check CHELSEA if this matters to you!
