Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Made in USA and Canada


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!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Local Spending, Local Economy



When you see this logo, either as it is or embedded on a poster or in a blog like this, know that the business is local. The 3/50 Project advocates for all locally owned businesses across the nation, and we love them. Visit www.the350project.net and learn more about the power of shopping locally. Download the app for your phone, and start seeking out locals, for everyone's sake.

People don't make specific decisions to NOT support local, independent businesses. I mean, I truly hope they don't. No, people simply go where the marketing dollars direct them, and where concentrastions of retail abound. They simply see local businesses as alternatives, especially if the locals are well executed, professional operations.

When local stores are selected, though, more money stays in the local economy. Local companies utilize the services of local CPAs, advertising specialists, attornesy and other service providers. Local stores are significantly more engaged in helping schools and local charities. The money that is spent in a local store, therefore, is reinvested in the community. This simply isn't true about national chains, so when a decision is made to spend money at a national, the result is a proven reduction in local economic activity.

The good news is that it is extraordinarily easy to make an immediate and lasting difference. It starts with the realization that a purchase has a range of leveraging power. The leverage is at it's highest power with local decisions, wherein the monies circulate over and over agion in the local economy. The worst for the local economy is an internet purchase, where the dollars leave the community and the state, and the sales tax revenue is also forfeited. That means less money for police, firemen, teachers, roads and services.

When we ask you to shop locally, we do want you to support us, no question about it. But the import of our message changes quite a bit when we also tell you that we advise local purchases wherever you go. In Howell or Dundee or Petosky or Wyandotte, we tell you that your money is maximized through investment in local businesses. AND, when you shop locally, you'll be spending with people that will thank you, and pay it forward.

Shop Local for selfish reasons! It's nice to do business with people that appreciate it, isn't it?

Monday, October 17, 2011

Chelsea Menswear in Downtown Wyandotte is Pleased to Welcome Master Tailor Nicolo Biundo to Our Staff


Nick has been plying his craft for 40 years at his own Oak Street Tailor Shop in Wyandotte. He has also been handling all tailoring for Chelsea for the past two years.

Well, he's decided to close his shop and join Chelsea on a permanent basis. He will take over management of our tailor shop and oversee Chelsea's growing made-to-measure clothing business featuring garments by America's Hart Shaffner Marx and S. Cohen of Montreal.

Nick welcomes his many customers to visit him at Chelsea for all of their tailoring needs. Call us at 734-285-7020 to schedule your appointment.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Find Your Inner Rebel at Chelsea

Andrew Marc leather jackets and coats are made of only the finest leathers with handcrafted beauty.

Andrew Marc has been representing the rebel in all of us for over 25 years. The Andrew Marc collection includes a combination of luxury materials, innovative engineering and exclusive artisan details distinguishing this brand from all others. Andrew Marc is a true iconic American Brand and is available right now at Chelsea!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Organically grown in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Kühl is now in its third decade of producing clothing that defines the outdoor lifestyle. The folks at Kühl are avid outdoors people, living the lifestyle and drawing inspiration from skiing, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and mountain and road biking. As a result they produce high-quality pants, shirts, and jackets that not only look good on, but hold up to your active daily life. Kühl products encourage people to live and explore their surroundings in comfort and style, from their own backyards to exotic alpine destinations. Will you aspire to the Kühl lifestyle? Come in and check 'em out!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Difference is in the Details


At Thomas Dean & Co., the difference is in the details. Quality craftsmanship commonly found in hand-tailored garments, from collar to shirttail, present a supremely crafted garment at a great price point.

IT ALL STARTS WITH THE SHIRT - A great shirt is the epicenter of a cohesive wardrobe. So Thomas Dean & Co. designed a sport shirt with dress shirt sensibilities. Their shirts are more than versatile; they move with you from Merrill Lynch to Belicoso, from look to look. Pair one shirt with pinstripes, a cardigan, or jeans. Thomas Dean shirts actually bring your look together, while remaining impeccable throughout the day.

This concept was born of necessity and a wellspring of worldly inspiration. European style and classic tailoring blend with a distinct American spirit to craft the perfect first layer to a life well lived.

Chelsea has a nice selection for Fall. Let us show you next time you're in!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Capture the Spirit of the Tetons


True Grit established its reputation as one of the Premier American Sportswear Brands over the past 20 years. A luxury contemporary collection built tough to last long, yet True Grit has all the sensibilities and elegance found in a better European Sportswear Collection.

The force of this brilliant collection is seen through the vision of the designers Bruce and Liz Bennett. Created in Newport Beach, CA with an eye for fashion in wearable styles and taste for exquisite fabrics and washes. Signature pieces with fabrics from the finest mills of Italy and France with an Americana feel of the great outdoors. Beautiful organic knits and technically inspired fabrics created in contemporary silhouettes. A collection of magnificently constructed pieces designed with unique trims, luxe fabrics and wearable styling. True Grit remains a timeless expression of creative freedom.

Alpine skiers. Urban dwellers and Lifestyle adventurers make True Grit's clothing brand a choice for the finest specialty boutiques and retailers throughout the world. True Grit has been featured in fashion publications, film, television, music and professional sporting events. It is a favorite of celebrities, athletes, artists, professionals and adventurers spanning the globe.

True Grit is an American Icon… and it's available at Chelsea.