Creating a Demand for Kilts

[Riverkilt]

So I'm in St. George, Utah this weekend where they have a long line of outlet stores. Was there with a friend and whenever I went into a men's wear outlet (kilted of course) I'd ask, "Are the new Levi's men's kilts in the outlet stores yet?" "Are the new Van Heusen men's kilts in the outlet stores yet?" " Are the new Eddie Bauer men's kilts in the outlet stores yet?" And so on. Kind of fun and got varied reactions from stern, "We don't carry kilts" to polite "not yet."

One cool gent stopped me on the promenade and asked with sincerity, "Is there a Scottish festival going on?" Told him yes there was - under my kilt. Cracked him up but it turned out he was a fellow kiltie, unkilted today, and was afraid he'd missed something. Had a nice chat.

Later at the supermarket a guy was enthusiastic about my kilt (USA Kilts Isle of Skye in semi-trad today) and we talked the merits of kilts. Gave him Rocky's card.

Anyhow, got to thinking what would happen if men's wear retailers kept getting word back from their stores that men are asking for kilts.

Yes, yes, I know - we don't really want that to happen - but it sure fun to ask and see the reactions.

[LitTrog]

Ahh...I really hope I get to meet you one day. Would be an honor.

[CMcG]

<snip>
Anyhow, got to thinking what would happen if men's wear retailers kept getting word back from their stores that men are asking for kilts.

Yes, yes, I know - we don't really want that to happen - but it sure fun to ask and see the reactions.

We don't want men's wear retailers to carry kilts? Why not?

Regardless, I'm sure you had a bit of fun getting reactions out of the sales staff

[mookien]

We don't want men's wear retailers to carry kilts? Why not?

I suspect, because it would drive up the price of kilts, assuming the increased demand outstripped any increase in supply.

Personally, I think it's a great idea ... after I get all my kilts. ;-)

[artificer]

We don't want men's wear retailers to carry kilts? Why not?

Because nobody wants to see Dockers' take on the kilt

Cool story, Ron, my only complaint is that it doesn't contain pix of you and young women

ith:

[James Hood]

Hmm. Interesting. Good on you!

A couple points.

Utilikilt already has their "Mocker," which is plain cotton fabric and "modeled on" chinos.

Deliberately asked, last few weeks at a Jos A Bank and Men's Wearhouse about kilt hose and while not kilted, was treated to a perhaps suspicious-apologetic, "We do not have any" (and perhaps in their minds, "...should we?"

A few kiltmakers and sellers, please chime in on this subject.

[longhuntr74]

Utilikilt already has their "Mocker," which is plain cotton fabric and "modeled on" chinos.

Deliberately asked, last few weeks at a Jos A Bank and Men's Wearhouse about kilt hose and while not kilted, was treated to a perhaps suspicious-apologetic, "We do not have any" (and perhaps in their minds, "...should we?"

Re: the mocker...I agree that this would be a good kilted alternative to chinos/dockers....but for one small problem. I pay about $30-45 for a pair of Dockers...the UK Mocker runs about $190-200. When they start making them for $75 or less, then I'd consider that an adequate replacement. But, alas, I don't think the market would ever allow that.

Regarding asking for kilt hose...I think it's funny that JosABanks and MW sounded apologetic for not carrying them. Who would expect them to...unless of course they do kilt hire business with their other tuxedos?

The one place that I have been that I was quite surprised that they didn't at least have some cheaper white pairs of kilt hose is a local shop that ONLY SELLS socks. It is called "The Sock Shop." They have every type of sock that you could possibly think of, I believe...toe socks, knee socks, dress socks, athletic socks, stripes, patterns, colors, whimsical designs, hiking socks, golf socks, tights....but not a single pair of kilt hose in the place. I brought this to their attention, of course!! Apparently I wasn't the FIRST guy to ask...but the owner indicated that they haven't been asked more than 2 or 3 times. He indicated that maybe they should look into carrying them...but I think that was more to make me think he cared about his customers than an actual intent to to go out and order kilt hose so that they can stock them.

[madmacs]

Didnt Brooks Brothers carry kilt jackets a long time ago? I seem to recall seeing pics of an advert for them...

[Kiltboy]

...Anyhow, got to thinking what would happen if men's wear retailers kept getting word back from their stores that men are asking for kilts....

I've done this a few times. The best reactions come from the staff at Barney's and Nieman Marcus. Kind of snaps their heads back because a customer is asking for an item they don't have.

Unfortunately the Nieman's staff usually adopt an attidude about it

So I finish the conversation with a "I guess I'll take my black card elsewhere" and turn an leave. I'm sure the discussions begin soon after.

[Joshua]

I've done this a few times. The best reactions come from the staff at Barney's and Nieman Marcus. Kind of snaps their heads back because a customer is asking for an item they don't have.

Unfortunately the Nieman's staff usually adopt an attidude about it

So I finish the conversation with a "I guess I'll take my black card elsewhere" and turn an leave. I'm sure the discussions begin soon after.

Isn't this akin to stepping into a McDonald's and asking for a wagyu ribeye and lobster tail?

Frankly I would expect a clerk to be taken aback at such a question. In the US kilts are regarded (by nonkilties) as whimsical, fringe, excessively formal, and/or curmedgeonly. This is not what department stores (who want to remain in business) would even consider.