Market Share?

[Zardoz]

I often wonder how many kilts are "in circulation"? No way to tell I'm sure!
But maybe a better question would be how many kilts on average are sold by the 'major vendors' in the US each year?

By major venders, I'm talking about places that sell a lot of kilts whether custom or off the peg, casual or trad, as a primary part of their business, places like USA Kilts, Stillwater, Frugal Corner, Sportkilt etc, not necessarily craftspeople who might sew up 5 or 8 per year.

[Lime]

I, for one, am extremely grateful to Americans for keeping many of the things I love, and take for granted, alive including:

Tweed - I understand that the Harris Tweed industry was largely helped back to it's feet by America after a crazy Yorkshireman tried to destroy it!

Pipes - one of England's best young pipe makers has his site in dollars because if he changes it to pounds he doesn't make any money!

I am sure there is much much more.

Thank you.

[GG]

That the tradition is kept alive is often more important than how or where it's kept alive.

So true it is.

[seanachie]

I was in Inverness last week for a quick 2 days, and I believe I hit most all of the kilt shops in town. I was saddened that the kilt shops, and I understand the economic necessity, frequently had to sell the typical tourist baubles. I was also a little surprised that Highland House of Fraser had had a number of Irish woven goods. I was searching for a present for my wife, and found a beautiful Irish cape. However, I love kilts and believe in supporting the locals and instead purchased her a tartan ruana and celtic pin. I frequently get approached by folks who don't wear kilts and show an interest, so I encourage them. I think it "balances the trade" to get more people wearing kilts allowing the mills to survive and hopefully thrive, allowing greater availability, selection etc.

[MacBean]

Yes, some of the Inverness shops are that way, and I agree it's a shame. I thought Chisholm's a cut above the rest, though I've not bought from them.

[RockyR]

In speaking with a sporran maker(one of our suppliers) today on our way to Inverness, he told me that roughly 50% of his business is in Scotland and roughly 50% is export.

That being said, he also admitted that he supplies other sporran companies with their stock designs and also does a very healthy 'hire business' trade over here (renting kilts in Scotland is much more popular than in the US).