patagonia's new ploy to sell products

IS PATAGONIA IN TROUBLE?

I read the following article about Patagonia’s latest gimmick to sell product.

Also, keep in mind that I have been told by a very informed source that Patagonia has about 40 sewing operators in a factory in California doing nothing but repairs. That is as many sewing operators as I have making first quality product. The show with pride the factories the factories they use in Asia on their web site. Maybe they should increase their production in the USA and then they too can be like Wiggy’s making first quality product from the get go.

Patagonia Launches Worn Wear Online Store

Posted by SGB Media | Sep 21, 2017 |

Patagonia’s newly launched Worn Wear online store lets customers shop for previously owned Patagonia gear at a slashed price. The products are sourced directly from Patagonia customers, who receive merchandise credit in exchange for giving their gear a second life.

Just like taking your car to a dealer and trading it for a new car.

The Worn Wear online store aims to prove that investing in the circular economy makes good business sense. “The need for businesses to step up and address the effects of climate change has never been greater,” said a Patagonia representative. “The global apparel market is worth $3 trillion, but unfortunately the low cost of manufacturing and the relentless drive for profits above all else has driven many companies to offer cheap, throwaway clothing rather than build high-quality gear built to last.”

Is this representative suggesting that Patagonia makes high quality gear? If so why have a 40 person sewing factory doing repairs. As a manufacturer I can tell you their returns must be enormous to have a need for 40 sewing operators. Patagonia is helping the U.S.A economy by employing 40 sewing operators just to do repairs.

Worn Wear’s mission is to reverse this trend by highlighting the value of investing in high-quality products, providing the tools required for long-term ownership and by providing a platform for resale of used goods.

There they go again suggesting they make high quality products!!!!!!

How Does It Work?
Patagonia accepts clothing that functions perfectly and is in good condition. The items are then cleaned – mostly using CO2, which saves water and energy compared to conventional methods. The company then gives awards credit that can be used in Patagonia retail stores as well as on WornWear.com and Patagonia.com. The deal also works on Patagonia luggage.

They are giving you an “award” for returning a garment to them that did not do what they said in the first place so you can use the credit to get a new product that also will not do what they say.

I think they are concerned that people will not buy a new product so they are doing something that has never before been done with a clothing item. That should tell you that they do not think much of what they make. And why should they since they obviously know they degrade very quickly. Keep in mind that ALL of the companies that make their textile products in Asia use Asian made materials which are not of the same quality that is made in the U.S.A. So, if you start out with poor quality material no matter how good the sewing is you still wind up with a poor quality product.

This company as well as all the rest of them making garments in Asia has but one concern, the bottom line so the work on the philosophy of planned obsolescence.

When you buy American made like Wiggy’s products not only are you supporting Wiggy’s but also the suppliers I have who also make their materials in America!!!!

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