Scottish Tartan Museum...Disappointment

[denmcdough]

First, let me say this: in years past, I've always had good success ordering items from the Scottish Tartan Museum, Frankiln, NC. So, naturally, when I was on vacation in the Hendersonville, NC area last week, I just had to make the 83 mile journey west to see the famous museum and shop. Thank goodness it was a beautiful day to enjoy Franklin and all the neat little shops, because the Scottish Tartan Shop was an utter disappointment. The place had, virtually, no inventory. And one of my plans for the trip was to purchase some items. Well, without much inventory, I couldn't purchase a thing. The main item was Lewis hose which was very low in stock...odd sizes and colors.

Every item I wanted to buy, I would ask when a new shipment might be coming in. The answer I got was, "I don't know." Now, seeing that the shop was practically bare and that there is no longer an ad on XMTS, I wonder if they might be going out of business!?? That was the feeling I got from ascertaining what I saw in Franklin.

On top of all this I, along with my family, was not treated very well. The people in the store didn't give us the time of day. So, I could have ordered hose, but decided that I wouldn't give them my money.

A sad conclusion to my long, awaited journey to the STM. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Riverkilt]

Methinks they've gone to a lot of drop shipping, hence the low inventory. I ordered 2 pair of Lewis kilt hose in Khaki last month. They had to order from the mill. I've asked for updates and they've responded - but they don't generate an order acknowledgement or estimate because they're dependent on the supplier. Last response (only been 4 weeks now) they had one pair in and were waiting for the second pair before shipping.

Big difference between folks living a "passion" and folks having a "job."

[rlloyd]

The STM, in the 3 years or so I've been "involved" with Highland attire, has steadily declined; I believe the reason is due to severe lack of funding. Even the first time I went, the museum portion was rather lacking - which is what led to my initial thought of lack of funding. At that time, though, the gift shop was rather well stocked - both with mass produced items and items sourced from local and regional craftsmen.

The last time I was at the shop, a little over a year ago, their inventory had began depleting - looking almost that when an item sold, they didn't attempt to restock - and the works from the craftsmen were almost entirely gone. I also took note that the "Specials" section of their website hadn't been updated in nearly a year, except to remove the few items which sold. More recently, I have also noticed the missing advertisement (and the associated forum) here on Xmarks; I also noticed that the aforementioned "Specials" page would no longer even load.

[Harold Cannon]

It is my understanding that they are having some financial difficulties. They will not be setting up as a vendor at our games this year which is truly sad because the past two years they were a big hit.

[rlloyd]

See my topic here for further thoughts on the matter.

[tripleblessed]

Bearing in mind that one can hear anything, and I've had no easy way to vet this, so I was waiting to mention.
A usually very reliable source mentioned a while back that a recent board meeting voted to close the store.
I was uneasy when Matt backed off, though I well understand his choice; I just felt it had to have negative effect.
Or perhaps it was seeing the writing on the wall. I'm told Ronan is already working somewhere else.

It seems newer members of the board feel they will be better off with just the museum, relying on the kindness
of strangers. Or a few very good friends. It feels like a death knell. Without the store and the visibility garnered
at games, I fail to see how foot traffic will be generated. Without foot traffic, what's the point? Well, of course
there's a point, but it would seem then to need to be affiliated with an academic institution, no longer an independent
entity.

Personally, I would consider being an angel here, but the Social Security Administration is unwilling to cooperate.
Would a massive influx of orders sway opinion? Unknown. Would a stream of letters to the chairman help?
Doubtful, this decision was apparently made over his strong objection, as I heard it.

Strong, no strings corporate and individual support is needed, and as mentioned elsewhere, a new generation of
eager volunteers. The museum is too far away for my personal participation, and the rest of the needs are outside
my skills set. If anyone has solid ideas, I'm sure they would be welcome.

And my apologies for bringing unverified info; it may be unfounded. If correct, this thread seemed the appropriate
place and time.

[Riverkilt]

Over six weeks and still waiting...no updates...only curse reassurances when I ask what's up...they do have one of the two pair but are waiting for the second to arrive from Scotland...of course the mill shuts down for two weeks for summer holiday, etc etc etc....

All the times I've warned against dealing with middlemen who don't maintain stock of what they advertise and here I am a fine example of why not....

Some day, when I least expect it...they'll show up....Hope so....its getting cool enough to wear kilt hose again around here...

Be interesting to see when they finally do show up...guessing late Sept or early October...no one cares...not the mill, not the shop...their problems come first no matter how much business I've done with STM over the years....maybe I should thank them for "right sizing" me...

[rlloyd]

I'm looking forward to seeing a few of the people with the Friends of the STM next weekend; I'm curious to hear their view on things. Traditionally, the Friends are quick to call out the failings and shortcomings of the Museum itself.

[Riverkilt]

My suggestion for the STM gift shop would be to please make a note on the webpage selling kilt hose that the kilt hose are not actually in stock all the time and may need to be ordered from the mill which could take weeks or months. Please call or email to confirm availability.

[denmcdough]

My suggestion for the STM gift shop would be to please make a note on the webpage selling kilt hose that the kilt hose are not actually in stock all the time and may need to be ordered from the mill which could take weeks or months. Please call or email to confirm availability.

Good idea, Ron! I think all vendors should do this!! As for the STM, they really do need to do this. Having been there recently, I can tell you that their selection was extremely low.