Creating a Demand for Kilts

**Riverkilt** · 13th August 11, 08:14 PM

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** · 13th August 11, 08:20 PM

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

**CMcG** · 13th August 11, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

<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** · 13th August 11, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

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** · 14th August 11, 04:42 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

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** · 14th August 11, 05:53 AM

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.

**Kiltboy** · 14th August 11, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

...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** · 14th August 11, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by Kiltboy

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.

**Mark Stephenson** · 14th August 11, 07:50 AM

...On the other hand, I have taken my kilts into Jos. A. Bank to select ties. Although it may be because the sales staff know us, we have always been treated very well and the staff have always tried to be helpful. In fact, their tailor even measured me once for an Argyle jacket I was having made elsewhere.

**Joshua** · 14th August 11, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by Mark Stephenson

...On the other hand, I have taken my kilts into Jos. A. Bank to select ties. Although it may be because the sales staff know us, we have always been treated very well and the staff have always tried to be helpful. In fact, their tailor even measured me once for an Argyle jacket I was having made elsewhere.

My boss has some really nice tattersalls from Jos. A. Bank... although it's hard to find an Ainsley collar (or any collar that isn't button-down, for that matter) Pity they don't cater to the more substantial man.