Tartan tat kings go Scottish

**beloitpiper** · 7th March 08, 12:40 PM

Sounds like the Gold Bros. are just coming into line with Stillwater and Frugal Corner. Why are we still complaining? People sing praises to SWK all the time.

**McClef** · 7th March 08, 01:03 PM

Ah but you must appreciate location Greg.

We are talking of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city and a major tourism venue upon which GB have fed. Few other places ( if any) in the whole world have such a concentration of tartan establishments.

We are talking of shops, not just online businesses. GB are trying to do what some other businesses do, attract as many people away from other shops as they can, see them close down through lack of business and then take over their market

Usually this would be throught the establishment of out of town shopping centres, or at least with the provision of free parking. That's not something they can do in central Edinburgh but I bet they would if they could.

Stilwater and Frugal are not, as far as I know, physically close in location to other kilt establishments. They are also open and upfront as to who they are are.

Free Enterprise is a wonderful thing when it's open and above board.

**jmercier** · 7th March 08, 01:09 PM

For one Jerry at SWK doesnt try to pass off his wares as the genuine scottish handmade article upon unsuspecting tourists, or to sell cheaply made chincy junk on the royal mile. When people here praise SWK they're praising the value and service, but no one here will say that an SWK is even close to the quality of something that Geffory (Tailor) or Barb T or Matt Newsome or the like would produce. The GB on the other hand are claiming that their products are just as good and trying to drive the hard working custom kilt makers out of buisness.

**David Thornton** · 7th March 08, 01:24 PM

I just re read some of our old "why do they cost so much" threads and everyone agrees it is possible to sell a kilt (a lot) cheaper if machine made and in mass. Well, isn't that exactly what is happening here? Really, If you don't like the guy, don't buy. But frankly I'm getting a bit tired of all this rant.

When you stop buying cheap knock off crap off ebay and deal only with local artisans, and fruit from central America and start buying only from local farmers (I could go on but you get the point), then come back and bash away.

David

**McClef** · 7th March 08, 01:53 PM

With respect David, we are dealing with an almost unique situation.

Of course we need to be careful with ebay etc in our choices. But the tourists visiting Edinburgh are making purchase decisions on the spot and being mislead as to what they are buying, they will think that kilts are the same cost as a pair of breeks. They will think that anyone charging more is profiteering and won't compare like with like.

Even people with a budget deserve full information.

**Nick the DSM** · 7th March 08, 02:45 PM

I dont think it'll ever end. Stateside-wise, I'd still go to stillwater for inexpensive kilts.

**Larry124** · 8th March 08, 01:00 AM

Their Casual kilts are not “shoddy”.
Like it...or compete.

**macwilkin** · 8th March 08, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by Larry124

Their Casual kilts are not “shoddy”.
Like it...or compete.

In this case, there is no competition. Gi'e me the traditional craftsmen anyday.

Horses for courses and all that.

T.

**Freedomlover** · 8th March 08, 06:38 AM

Sad to note that there don't seem to be many supporters of free market competition hereabouts, or in Scotland either. It seems that some long established businesses are of the opinion that they ought to be shielded from competition, or that competition must be by rules that they set. I am also a little surprised to note that what is being defended as "traditional" is in fact modern. There is room in the market for more than one product: niches need to be filled and if people like H.N. refuse to do it then good on the GB or whoever else. Let the noncompetitive whiners kiss off, I say.

**David Thornton** · 8th March 08, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

With respect David, we are dealing with an almost unique situation.

Of course we need to be careful with ebay etc in our choices. But the tourists visiting Edinburgh are making purchase decisions on the spot and being mislead as to what they are buying, they will think that kilts are the same cost as a pair of breeks. They will think that anyone charging more is profiteering and won't compare like with like.

Even people with a budget deserve full information.

In the spirit of your post, I respectfully disagree. Edinburgh is not unique and mostly they are just meeting demand. My sister has an office in S Africa and one in Lexington KY so we travel quite a bit, I have business (and pleasure) dealings all over the world and I don't mind visiting when necessary. I see CRAP being sold everywhere. Tourists have money to spend on trash, so they buy trash in Scotland, Mexico, Argentina, Botswana, Australia, I could go on forever. Those who want authentic study and pay accordingly.

Breeks are fairly expensive as well. Retailers here want $179 and up. I am still kicking myself for not having a nice pair made when the dollar was worth something.

David