Market Share?

[auld argonian]

I may have mentioned a conversation that I had with one of my friends from the Duke Of Perth wherein he mentioned that another of his friends, who is a Scot by birth, somehow finds it very "amusing" that so many of us North Americans (for lack of a better term) choose to wear kilts. My reply to this little gem of information was that this fella should think about all of the money that the fabric companies and kiltmakers are making BECAUSE all of these "non-Scots" are wearing the kilt. Balance of trade and all that...

I was just curious as to just how much of the kilt business percentage-wise comes from "the Colonies" as compared to "in country". I'd guess that just on population the overseas chunk of the business would be considerable...not even taking into consideration the parties that end up buying a couple of dozen kilts and ship-loads of accessories while we are told by our Native Scot members that they take a somewhat more conservative approach to their purchasing over in the Old Country.

Estimates and speculation are welcome...I'd bet that Ol' Adam Smith, himself, would be interested in this phenomena.

Best

AA

[slohairt]

The overwhelming majority, I would say. The tartan industry would shrivel to a very small size if it had to depend on Scottish-based sales alone. (Source: House of Edgar managing director.)

[Tobus]

he mentioned that another of his friends, who is a Scot by birth, somehow finds it very "amusing" that so many of us North Americans (for lack of a better term) choose to wear kilts.

Comments like these are based in snobbery, and are nothing more than an attempt to insult people without being blatant about it. Folks who hold opinions like that are not worth arguing with on the merits of facts or common sense. They will hold their elitist bias no matter what argument you put forth, and in most cases will even snicker at your attempt to justify it. That's why they make comments like that instead of being polite and keeping their thoughts to themselves. It makes them feel better to diminish someone else's value of the subject in question while increasing their own.

Your point is a valid one - that American sales of tartan and kilts is providing a huge economic income to Scotland (quite easily surpassing their domestic sales) - but it probably fell on deaf ears.

Some may think I'm overreacting to a fairly benign statement. And I may be, but that's the way I see it.

[ForresterModern]

Folks who hold opinions like that are not worth arguing with on the merits of facts or common sense.

My grandpa once told me to never get into a pissin' match with a skunk, as both parties come out not smelling too good.

My grandma once told me to never argue with an idiot, as anyone watching may have trouble figuring out just exactly which of you is the idiot.

They are both gone now but their legacy lives on.

[auld argonian]

Well, that fella can have his little snit...no skin off my nose. Best course wi' cats like that is just to let 'em run around being legends in their own minds. Let's ignore these characters.

I am sincerely interested in the "balance of kilt trade" thing, though. I've heard, for example, that there's talk of a major revision of US tariffs and duties and I wonder if any adjustments (we all hope!) are to be made to the import of our kilts and jackets and sporrans. It's just very interesting on an academic level.

Best

AA

[muirkirkca]

I have also heard the opposite from Scottish expats who appreciate the wearing of the kilt. Perhaps they are more cosmopolitan in their outlook because of all the other traditions being practiced by other cultures around them.

[Bugbear]

Don't blame me, I stopped wearing kilts and tartan about a year ago; not my traditions and heritage.
I stopped wearing contemporary kilts too, so I'm not doing what ever those do to Scottish traditions either.


I have read Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, but I'm not qualified to have an opinion on how it might apply to this situation.

[GG]

The closer you are to the business, the more dependent you are from it, the less likely it is that you should come out with stupid remarks like it is 'amusing' that some people (Americans mainly) will wear a kilt.

And, as it is said here, the balance might very well be in favor of non-Scots. It is heavy users versus light/non users.

Greg

[MacBean]

I can understand why native Scots feel uneasy about the whole thing, as I've heard (and now seen) the parodies of Highland dress sometimes worn here. I think many (most) Scots would also feel uneasy about wearing a kilt themselves.

But I'd not worry, they'll get used to it; it's new still. In the end, I think Scots will enjoy that their culture is remembered and celebrated abroad, just as the Irish do. We recently had some Scottish interns out to a pub for a Burns supper. It must have been weird for them, but by the end of the night, I think they had a great time and got into the swing of things.

As the Scots have given to us, maybe we'll have something to give back to them.

[artificer]

As the Scots have given to us, maybe we'll have something to give back to them.

You mean APART from McDonalds, blue jeans, and shockingly white trainers?

ith: