Non-kilted Salespeople?

**Jock Scot** · 5th January 08, 03:31 AM

There is a very well turned out chap,dressed in the kilt, at the "woollen mill" at Spean Bridge,Inverness-shire.

**RockyR** · 5th January 08, 07:50 AM

I think "Celtic Store" salespeople should wear a kilt or SOME kind of tartan or represent their store in "some way". Why should a CUSOTOMER buy a kilt from you and wear it if you won't wear one yourself?

I wear one every day and think it would be "awkward" to own a kilt company and not to wear one (except on the VERY rare occasion where I'm either sick or just very lazy and wear sweatpants... like if the shop is closed and I'm just working in the back and won't see customers).

Example: A man walks off the street and is potentially interested in wearing a kilt, but is hesitant since it's something "new" to him. If the salesman has one on, it shows him that it can be done and there's nothing to be afraid of and it helps to put his mind at ease without saying a word. If they DON'T have one on, he may second guess his decision.

I can't imagine selling Mercedes while wearing a "Ford Trucks" shirt. I can't imagine selling respirators while smoking a cigarette. I can't imagine working at a high end restaurant and ordering Pizza delivered. I can't imagine selling kilts while wearing pants.

Why do I wear kilts every day? "I'm my own best advertising!" - that's my favorite quote when people bug me about why I'm wearing a kilt. When you wear them respectfully and "fashionably" (not like a slob), people see them as a smart (nice looking) viable option. If you're not wearing them, they get no "exposure" and less men see them and therefore won't think to wear them.

Sorry for the rant... that's just how I see it.

**Coinneach** · 5th January 08, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by slohairt

Isn't it a bit like going to a mens' suit shop only to find non-suited employees?

Is that anything like going to a liquor store and finding only sober employees?

As long as they're knowledgeable and helpful, I guess I wouldn't overly mind if they're not kilted, but you're right...it ups the comfort level and confidence that you're buying from people who walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

I think my closest kilt store is 2 hours away in CA...not sure how far away in Savannah.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 5th January 08, 08:06 AM

Right on Rocky! Going in a slightly different direction-- why doesn't the NTS require all gentlemen dealing with the public to wear the kilt? Or do they?

**ShaneRollins** · 5th January 08, 08:36 AM

It's quite simple I would think for a business. McDonalds, Burger King and the like all give their employees shirts and hats as a part of their uniform. These folks should do the same, the only difference is that they don't get to keep the kilt when they decide to leave.

**The Wizard of BC** · 5th January 08, 09:51 AM

I, like Rocky, wear the kilt to the shop everyday. I also wear a tape measure around my neck. Yes, I am my best advertising, yes it shows my customers I am proud of my product, but more than anything else it shows my customers that there are other ways to wear the kilt without looking like I just came from a pipe band competition.

Strange though, the ladies in the shop wear pants. I made them pleated aprons to wear, with their names on them, and they wear them sometimes but usually they are in outfits they created themselves.

You don't know how bad I would like to find another male to work in the shop with me who would like to make and wear kilts.

This morning I am in a burgundy long sleeved button-down collar shirt, 6 color desert camo kilt, coffee brown kilt hose and ox blood penny loafers.

If I don't wear the kilt in my own shop I feel I am doing a great dis-service to my customers.

**Ozman1944** · 5th January 08, 10:03 AM

Just because they are employed in a Scottish Shop, that doesn't mean that they are crazy about the kilt. For them, it is a mean to make a living. Cut them some slacks.
__________________
Employees not crazy about Kilts?? Outrageous! (They never should have outlawed the Inquisition!!!!!)

**Arlen** · 5th January 08, 10:13 AM

I know that in Macgregor & Macduff in Glasgow, every time I have been in there the staff are all kilted.

**Tartan Hiker** · 5th January 08, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

You don't know how bad I would like to find another male to work in the shop with me who would like to make and wear kilts.

OK, Steve, if I ever find myself in need of fleeing across the border to avoid prosecution or other unpleasantry, or if the (insert party here) win the next presidential election, I'll give you a call!

**cessna152towser** · 5th January 08, 02:02 PM

There is a very well turned out chap,dressed in the kilt, at the "woollen mill" at Spean Bridge,Inverness-shire.

Yes I've seen that fellow a few times. This is a place where you are almost always guaranteed to see a few kilts as some of the coach drivers who bring tour parties into the "woollen mill" also wear kilts and can often be spotted in the cafe during their break.

In my experience, sales staff in kilt shops in Edinburgh are usually kilted, though you are less likely to encounter a kilted salesmen in the smaller kilt shops in the smaller towns.

I was disappointed to find that Houstons staff in Paisley do not wear kilts - as a shop which attracts visitors from far and wide and not just the locals I would have thought they would have worn kilts, at least for the benefit of meeting the expectations of visitors who have Scots ancestry.