Here's an article on the new USAKilts store from phoenixvillenews.com :

http://www.phoenixvillenews.com/site...id=17915&rfi=6


Starting a New Tradition
By BILL RETTEW JR., brettew@phoenixvillenews.com
11/30/2005

USA Kilts & Celtic Traditions set to open this Friday

 PHOENIXVILLE - Great Scot!

The kilted ones are here, and not only those playing bagpipes.
USA Kilts & Celtic Traditions will open Friday, Dec. 2, during the borough's next First Friday festivities.


A portion of the 1,100-square-foot business will be set aside for manufacturing, along with a showroom for sales to the public, at 249 Bridge Street.


Tartan abounds at the shop, run and owned by kiltmakers Rocky Roeger and Kelly Stewart. Most locally made kilts are made from darker colors, with a black-blue-green tartan pattern as the number one seller.


Every kilt sold will be handmade by the couple, on the premises.


Although he is German, Roeger is rarely not seen wearing a kilt.


"I'm my own best advertisement," Roeger said with a smile. "I've always wanted to wear one and didn't care what anyone else thought.


"I didn't care if anyone thought I was weird. But the more I wore one, the more I realized that people thought it was cool."


USA Kilts & Celtic Traditions formerly had a shop in Audubon and sells kilts world-wide. Customers in France, Tasmania, Japan, Australia and several U.S. Marines in Iraq are all wearing the locally produced product.


"A lot aren't even Scottish in descent," said Roeger.


"Most of our business is from individuals who enjoy wearing kilts," said Stewart.


USA Kilts even made the kilts that pop singer Madonna and her dancers wear on-stage.


Co-owner Kelly Stewart prefers a mini-kilt made for the ladies that can be composed of synthetic Royal Stewart Tartan and retail for $90 to $150.


A men's kilt can cost as little as $110 but may cost as much as $600. Wool is a favored material, but for easier care, a poly viscose material with teflon coating allows a USA Kilt to be thrown in the washing machine.


The couple might be able to produce as many as three kilts per day, with custom designing when requested.


Roeger and Stewart were attracted to the IronWorks District because they said it is "up and coming."


"We love walking to shop in the business district," said Roeger. "We're trying to grow the retail side of the business.


"And we're completely different than anybody else. We bring a Celtic feel to the neighborhood."


Firm hours have not yet been set, due to the fact that the kiltmakers hope to manufacture the product distraction free, most work days.


The new shop will likely be open on Fridays and Saturdays, starting this First Friday for a Grand Opening with a bagpipe player.


For more information, call 610-935-3444 or go to www.USAKilts.com.