Index

12/27/17  Male Underwear Line

10/21/16  Giveaway & Sale: Fabric/Thread/Zippers and Machine
10/05/16  Denim brand startup needs Pattern Maker in Austin Texas

09/09/15  Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

08/14/15  Round Rock Prom Dress Designers

11/15/14  Sustainable Cotton Farmers in West Texas
11/14/14  The Nightmare Is Over . . . I'm Back

01/31/12  Pants Startup in Austin
01/26/12  Nikki Searching for Pattern Maker
01/21/12  School District Board of Trustees Presentation on Middle School Students & Computer

10/20/11  Computer Ownership Among Round Rock Middle School Children
10/02/11  How to Turn $6 into $100
07/15/11  Dress Pattern Maker Wanted
06/10/11  Prom 2012
02/05/11  Apparel News Blog

12/15/10  Round Rock Prom Dress
11/07/10  Texas Gets Torrid
11/05/10  Texas Gets Torrid
09/27/10  Round Rock Prom Dress
08/21/10  Claire James Message on The State of Fashion
06/17/10  Boutique Manufacturer Moving to Austin
03/18/10  Houston Startup Needs Pattern Maker and Contractor

12/29/09  KSE In A Challenging Economy
11/27/09  Best Buy Offering $197 HP Laptop on Black Friday
11/16/09  Sewing Machine Sales Soar
11/22/09  Building in the Whitebox Market
09/22/09  Prom . . . Every Year
08/22/09  At-home Computer System, Network Builders
07/16/09  Made in Texas
07/15/09  IE-Direct Model Q&A
06/30/09  Taken For Granted
06/24/09  Followers of this Blog
06/20/09  Working Mannequin: The Increasing Value of KSE
06/20/09  Apparel & Computer Manufacturing
06/20/09  Apparel Manufacturing in Texas
06/16/09  Sign The Petition
06/09/09  IDGs
06/07/09  Layaway: The IDG Way

05/25/09  Pattern Making Job
05/10/09  The Wise Ant

04/19/09  Qualities of a job
04/03/09  God Network?

03/29/09  Dell Partners with distributors
03/27/09  IE-Networks and H-1B foreign and American workers
03/23/09  Jobseekers' Ministry - Get your resume
03/22/09  Computer for kids - Tech Volunteers
03/21/09  Polls - March 21
03/12/09  Poll Questions
03/03/09  TSR Membership

02/14/09  YouTube Videos

01/31/09  America's Edge
01/24/09  Presentations Suspended
01/21/09  Coming Soon -- YouTube Presentations
01/17/09  A call for Talented People -- Se Solicita
01/15/09  IE-Network Business Presentation
01/08/09  Mainly Jeans - Help
01/06/09  Delivery: Make It Good
01/05/09  IE-Network Business Presentation

12/28/08  Networking Together
12/27/08  Survey: What Works Best for You?
12/25/08  Identifying the Local Independent Retailer Niche Market
12/24/08  A Lasting Story

11/22/08  At Least 319 Ways
11/13/08  Keeping Hope
11/07/08  Affordable Computers in Our Economy
11/03/08  Borrowing Change

10/24/08  Whiteboxes in Texas
10/17/08  Whitebox Wonderland
10/13/08  If You Build It For The Good Of All
10/12/08  Do You Believe in Myths?
10/10/08  A Step Closer to Prom 2009
10/05/08  Prom-Dress Network
10/05/08  Prom 2009

09/29/08  The IC-Tech Network
09/28/08  TechNetwork
09/13/08  Boxing Clever
09/12/08  Discount Designers
09/10/08  The Value of a Penny Doubled
09/05/08  Dell to Sell Factories
09/03/08  Another Look at the Social Contract

Nikki searching for pattern maker

Introducing Nikki,


nikki.d.hill@gmail.com

Nikki lives in Houston. She is searching for a pattern maker and a manufacturer for her startup women's head apparel business. She has sketches and not a lot of startup capital.

Next, she is looking for a sewing contractor to make a small order (100) for testing with family and friends.

I could be mistaken, but I do not think a manufacturer would have much interest in a small order. In any case if you are a manufacturer call Nikki. If you a consultant who has the talent and are eager to take up an opportunity go for it.
Nikki is willing to drive to Austin, but I know some of you on my Distribution List (DL) live in or near Houston.

Help each other. Work with each other.

If anyone has knowledge of these pattern makers please share that with Nikki.

Superior Pattern Works Inc
1524 Mesquite Street, Houston, TX 77093-1041
(281) 442-1422

Fagan Pattern CO
6929 Romona Boulevard
Houston, TX 77086-3220

Orsak Pattern & Machine (see Facebook)
501 N Lavaca, Moulton, TX 77975-4518

Visit me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1632262201

I really encourage and invite you all to send me a friend request and you so you can write on my wall, share and discuss ideas and events in apparel related to your personal or business interests.

https://www.facebook.com/WorkingMannequin

Selected blog articles:

http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2011/06/prom-2012.html
http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2010/08/claire-james-message-on-state-of.html
http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2010/06/boutique-manufacturer-moving-to-austin.html
http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2009/07/made-in-texas.html

Best regards,

Gil
512.218.4627

KSE in a challenging economy

They are two people with whom I work. They do not know each other. They do know computer technology.

Despite neither one having traditional academic credentials they possess what I call KSE, the Knowledge, Skills and Experience people acquire and amass over their years of employment. Their KSE affords them a confidence and competence such as computer build, (and networking) diagnostics, repair and more.

Acquiring KSE

He immersed himself in every tutor and mentoring opportunity alongside engineers and technicians to acquire much of his technology know-how during his years as a Dell employee. She absorbed hers through her Electrical Englneer big brother. He, for his seeming amusement and her utter frustration, would dismantle her computer for her to reassemble and reconfigure. It was a few years before she would reflect and appreciate the gift he gave his litle sister.

Networking with buddies/working from home

It would not be difficult, he says, to connect with a couple of his tech buddies to take on some technology projects. Sound familiar? The problem, he explains, is finding the clientele to sustain their business enterprise. Sound familiar? She would love nothing better than to be able utilize her tech skills to supplement the family income from the comfort of their home with their children. Sound familiar?

Innovation in a challenging economy

Business technology needs versus family economic needs are not totally unrelated, folks. Aren't you amazed by some of the innovative sales ideas which have emerged with our challenging economy? Can you recall ever hearing a car dealer encourage people to buy a new car and the dealer would make the payments for a period of time if the buyer lost their job? Or, you can bring that car right back without any problems! Lets not foolishly assume there aren't conditions with these offers, but the point to note is the innovation of business to meet their sales demands while meeting the economic needs of the family.

The independent Enterprise Network model

The Independent Enterprise Network model is the meeting point between business technology needs and family economic needs. Any skepticism could be no less foolish than those who fail to understand the car dealer's offer. Whatever skepticism you have about the IE-Network may be affecting your profitabilty and ability to recruit consultants and take on technology projects. Something else about our challenging economy. Have you noticed how business turns to the small areas it had ignored or overlooked in the past? The whitebox/whitebook market remains an ignored, overlooked area of profit potential.

A good practice

Business owners rely on their shop, floor and store managers to make the best decisions to enhance and constantly build their profit margins. Are you sure they're not ingnoring or overlooking areas of profit potential riding out the economy while riding on the security of a paycheck from you? A good inventory audit practice is check your stock and your business management.

The IE-Network model brings together independent consultants and independent retailers/resellers in areas including computer technology, apparel and more.

At-home computer system, network direct builders

Lately, I have been working long and meticulously to engage a couple of apparel national retailers as well as technology retailers. It's not an easy task, but I am determined.


You are invited to give me some much valued information. Take the poll I have posted on Directron.com.

Thank you.

Gil

Apparel & Computer manufacturing

Republished

There’s an interesting contrast between the apparel and computer manufacturing industries in these short articles. I have listed the important points in both articles for an easy comparison. These are things which concern both industries as well as independent consultants, resellers and retailers, too. Especifically, the objectives of growth and reduction of costs are commmon to both whether your manufacturing partner is a party of more than one, local or overseas.

The Independent Consultant (Independent Contractor, Independent Enterprise) Network model is well suited for addressing those areas of primary concern; finding a manufacturing partner, growth, cost reduction and profit margin increase. As independents, the life (or death) of the partnership whose life purpose stems from 1) design, 2) manufacturing and logistics, 3) materials and 4) operating expenses, is dependent on the service provider as the service recipient network members. The risk is nominal, because neither one has great amounts of money invested. The IE-Network at-home model is local, regional, statewide and nationwide beginning in Round Rock, Texas.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=current+apparel+manufacturing+news+in+TExas&aq=f&oq=

A verifiable set of information to obtain when looking for an apparel manufacturer:

their facility the
number of people they employ
their bank references
their customers' references
their management team.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/040108dnbusdell.1be6ad8c.html

The areas of growth in computer manufacturing:

global consumer
enterprise
notebooks
small and medium enterprise
emerging countries, while improving profitability and cash returns

The actions of growth in computer manufacturing: reduce total product costs across all areas, including

1 design
2 manufacturing and logistics
3 materials
4 operating expenses

IDGs

The nine pointts below are taken from a small, aggressive apparel manufacturer's site. The claims, explanations and services are quite typical. They are not outlandish.

They could as well be made by a local Independent Designer Group (IDG) in Round Rock, region, state or in the USA. Most of these manufacturers, so called, independent contractors consist of a small employee workforce numbering from as few as 5 to as many as 16 or 20. This is the single biggest difference from the IDG which is the combined, collaborative effort of truly independent contractors/consultants.


1 Made in the U.S.A. quality and service.
2 Low production minimums.
3 Quick turn around times compared to international manufacturing.
4 Project management.
5 A phone call away from painless communication.
6 North American Customers, no need to pay duties, beauracracies, tariffs or high shipping costs.
7 U.S.A made products are popular all over the world. With the low dollar, your business has a competitive advantage of entering the higher end markets around the globe.
8 U.S.A. made products can be easily exported to NAFTA countries (Canada and Mexico).
9 Supporting American Jobs and industry.

Although IDG members are independent they are not immune or exempt to market demands. An IDG must deliver if it is to survive and thrive. Like any business entity an IDG will produce its own offspring of individuals who are either attractive to the IDGs clients or who simply go out on their own once they have seen their own capabilities and opportunties in the market.

* * *
The PROM-DRESS NETWORK link on this blog is not limited to prom dresses. You are invited to post your information. It is free.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=phxRhUH_DRQtprnM9vt1LAA&output=html

IE-Network Business Presentation

You are invited to attend a business presentation.

Independent Enterprise Networks

Presenter: Gilbert Torres

TSR, Inc. founder / owner

(512) 218-4627

GTorresCUE@gmail.com

Saturday January 24 @ 10:00AM

Meeting admission is free.

Bring a friend.

1004 N. Mays & Hwy 79 (First United Methodist Church building)
Round Rock, TX 78664
First traffic light FUMC building on right side
Get directions

Who should attend:

Independent contractor / consultants in apparel

Independent contractor / consultants in computer and related

Independent apparel reseller / retailer

Independent computer reseller / retailers

Anybody interested in learning about other fields targeted for IE-Networks

IE-Network Business Presentation

You are invited to attend a business presentation.

Independent Enterprise Networks

Presenter: Gilbert Torres,

TSR, Inc. founder / owner
(512) 218-4627

GTorresCUE@gmail.com

Saturday January 10 @ 10:00AM

Meeting admission is free.

Bring a friend.

1004 N. Mays & Hwy 79 (First United Methodist Church building)

Round Rock, TX 78664

First traffic light FUMC building on right side

Get directions

Who should attend:

Independent contractor / consultants in apparel

Independent contractor / consultants in computer and related

Independent apparel reseller / retailer

Independent computer reseller / retailers

Anybody interested in learning about other fields targeted for
IE-Networks

Keeping hope

Finally.
I am unemployed.
Look for December business presentation in Round Rock TX announcement in next few days.

But, hey!! Everybody!
Always keep hope alive. Expect great things.

I strongly believe the Independent Enterprise Network model is the best, most effective and efficient means for establishing, strengthening or developing local enterprise relationships between independents and retailer/resellers in computer and apparel sales.

Judging by the readership of this blog I can see the interest in states other than Texas. We know Americans are struggling throughout our nation and it is my earnest desire to expand IE-Networks nationwide as quickly as possible.

We have witnessed some extraordinary and unprecedented actions by our government in the business sector. Repeatedly, we have heard those actions were not about what was popular, likeable or party policy, but it was what needed to be done.

The IE-Network model is not nearly as grand or as top-heavy as would require government or big business involvement. It does represent an opportunity for those willing to explore other viable, legal, moral and ethical options for conducting business while building up their community at the same time.

Be of good cheer, all.

G

California apparel industry and Texas

The price of not calling on my IT friend for help setting up my new computer: Lost articles. If you are so inclined you can search for the article background. Here is the gist of the lost article. Gt

* * *

I have often stated California’s number one position in apparel. Even now, the state’s industry is engaged in new strategies between designers and independent contractors in Los Angeles. These defensive strategies are in response to increasingly high fuel costs and foreign competition. The offensive components of this strategy include; 1.) utilization of an abundant supply of local apparel talent, 2.) quick turnaround on small and large orders not possible with large foreign and domestic manufacturers, and 3.) the development of personal relationships between designers and ICs. Thus far, this has resulted in a bustling apparel economy, despite the struggling overall economy. There may well be displaced workers who would differ with that statement, but the resourceful, innovative approach by the California apparel industry in Los Angeles brings up a question.

WHAT ARE THE LESSONS FOR TEXAS APPAREL?

Again, I have often stated Texas is number one . . . in the number of displaced apparel workers. The previously stated conditions are true and affect the apparel industry in both states. Unlike California, Texas is number one in the nation in exports for eight years in a row. Although the California economy is bigger than the Texas economy Texas continues to distance itself more and more from California in exports. Mexico is Texas’ number one trade partner, with California, again, a distant second. Certainly, Texas does not lag behind with a wealth of apparel resources of its own. The lessons for Texas apparel: 1.) utilize local independent contractor talent, 2.) quick turnaround of product orders from local ICs means nominal or elimination of inventory stockpiling and quick return of investment, too, and 3.) relationships with local ICs are a human interaction valued as much for dignity, idea exchanges and friendship as for product delivery. It bears pointing out IC-Networks are neither employers nor jobs. They are at-home enterprises.

THE IC-NETWORK MODEL

While I could be off on some details I understand the California model involves an individual designer partnering with an “independent contractor” who employs a small group of apparel workers to manufacture apparel items. This is the traditional, conventional model. Moving from such a conventional model to an at-home Independent Contractor Network model involves change. Change is seldom easy. It may be easier when it is thrown at us than when we think, plan, decide and implement it. The idea of change can make us reflect on how “everything’s fine”, “the last time I tried that I failed”, or “I don’t know if that will work” and not about moving forward. The innovative at-home IC-Network model is the Texas model for implementation of these lessons by apparel designers and contractors. The model can be implemented in California or anywhere in the nation where producers (designer/contractor) and buyer (retailer) are found. A network is as big or as small as required to fulfill orders, not just for one buyer, but as many as buyers as partner with the IC-Network. Their income is generated through; 1.) personal productivity, 2.) residual income, and 3.) bonuses. They are not the designer’s or retailer’s employees. They are truly Independent Contractors. Further, network membership options are available for all.

WHAT CAN AN IC-NETWORK ENABLE ME TO DO?

1.) A private label of your own for your, a.) seasonal apparel items, and b.) fashion designs. A favorite question I like to ask when meeting boutique owners, “Do you own your own label?) The answer is, “no”, usually.

2.) Custom-made, or customer-made apparel need not be ceiling price as in the past. Both, contractors and retailers, have cut themselves out this market through their pricing. It is far better to create a product at a marketable price sustained through quality and repeat customers than to sit idly waiting for the next “big” job or sale.

3.) Expand your sales reach to customers and retail clients through your IC-Network partners. If you are a network member and IC-Networkers who produce your apparel are contracted by a retailer to produce your fashion design that’s sales income for you and the IC-Networker without you threading a needle or lifting a finger.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO START A NETWORK IN TEXAS?

1.) Attend the next business presentation in Round Rock TX when it is announced. 2.) Review the FAQs on this blog to inform yourself. 3.) Prepare yourself for change.

A logistics perspective on apparel outsourcing

This article clip on apparel is from a logistics perspective. Logistics is all about the chain stretching from order placement, design, materials, manufacturing; to order delivery. Clearly, outsourcing is not the cure-all for ills affecting US apparel retail and manufacturing. Although the setting here is the global stage the issues and their solutions are real for local independent enterprises and independent retailer networks, too.

These three things stand out about outsourcing:

The pursuit by apparel companies for lowest prices continues.
The problems of contractor turnover.
Poor apparel/contractor relationships translate into poor product quality.
gt

Hot Topics in Apparel

Strengthening Outsourcing Relationships
Apparel companies' relationships with contract manufacturers in low-cost countries have historically been transient. Deals sometimes last only a few months as brands continuously pursue the lowest cost. On average, one-third to three-quarters of an apparel company's contractor portfolio turns over every year.
But this relationship-hopping comes with a price: poor product quality and contractors who are unwilling to invest in enhancing operations.
"Flitting from contractor to contractor hinders flexibility, hurts quality, and invites social compliance and visibility risk," says David Aquino, research director of the Industry Value Chain Strategies Service at AMR Research, Boston.
Some brands are ameliorating this risk by taking a more strategic approach and pledging longer-term commitments. They're also putting more feet on the ground -- either their own local personnel or in-country logistics or sourcing partners.

They're hoping a rationalization of suppliers and longer-term deals will build the trust required to spur contractors to invest in technology and equipment, boost quality, and prioritize their work.
Apparel companies are also setting up supplier portals to enhance long-distance communications. The most successful companies build global sourcing infrastructure slowly and methodically, rather than rushing in, Aquino says.
"We prefer to stay with the factories we have good relationships with," says Lisa Kuhns, account manager at The S Group, Portland, Ore., which maintains offices in major production countries to offer a local presence to apparel companies lacking the resources to build infrastructure themselves.
"Having strong relationships gives us better negotiating power, and helps hold down prices on behalf of apparel companies," Kuhns says.
In addition, apparel companies are getting more involved in raw materials sourcing, a task previously left to contract manufacturers. It's a strategy designed to shore up quality, which tends to suffer in the move from factory to factory.

Pinpointing New Low-Cost Countries
Rising prices in southern China are driving apparel companies to new low-cost locations throughout Asia, and focus has begun to shift to African and Pacific Island countries. But sourcing from these countries can be risky because they lack apparel production training and infrastructure.
"Critical mass has to build up before large air and ocean carriers can offer fixed-day service out of a new location," says Tom Wyville, vice president of marketing for FMI, a Carteret, N.J.-based 3PL.
It's a challenge to move to less costly, industrialized areas without higher transportation costs wiping out the savings. 3PLs and sourcing partners are helping apparel companies by opening local offices that offer services to hold down logistics costs and provide visibility and quality control. Logistics strategies include blocking out space with air and ocean carriers and operating consolidation centers.
But the number of new sourcing locations is finite. "The world is round, and eventually you come back to where you started," notes Mark Cohen, CEO of Tracy Evans Ltd., an apparel company that has returned to sourcing from Central America after a brief shift to Asia.Smart apparel companies operate multiple supply chains, balancing near-shore with distant sourcing locations, and maintaining reserve capacity to meet unexpected demand.

Grow your business on a weak US dollar

Profits from export sales are up for US corporations like Microsoft, McDonald’s and California wine makers who are taking full advantage of the weak US dollar.

A weak US dollar could present a mutual opportunity for at-home custom-apparel Independent Enterprises (IE) and Mexico (or, US) Specialty buyers.

A weak or slow economy is often seen as being bad for business and not a time for taking a risk. However, you can grow your business on a weak US dollar, too. Specialty products and services often take a back row to the company’s core business until the economy recovers. However, Independent Enterprises and buyers need not rely on high volume to sustain and grow their business even during a down economy.

Because both are among the smallest business units, compared with major manufacturers and mega-chain store retailers, they are best able to change into a surge mode the moment the economy rebounds. While many downsize their operations into a “survive the slump” mode these Independent Enterprises, because they are already “downsized”, don’t need to think or act small. They are forward and progressive thinking about opportunity. Some incoming revenue is better than not at all, but perhaps more important, parties involved are setting themselves to be ready for the economy re-surge.

What could make a partnership between an IE-Network and a custom-apparel Mexico Specialty buyer attractive and grow your business on a weak US dollar?


1. Individual attention to buyer’s client preferences.
2. Network can be as big or as small as buyer wishes.
3. Diversity of talent.
4. Potential of ever expanding IE-Network base.
5. No contracts or commitments to buy.
6. Networks and buyers, alike, are mobile.

IE-Networks can sell their “Made In USA” label, proudly and confidently. Specialty buyers can give IE-Networkers assurance of prompt payment-for-services through the setup of a Commercial Credit transaction account with a bank in the Network’s area. Even better, set it up online for electronic quickness.

I can imagine you’ve got questions. I do not have all the answers, but _ we can talk.

Independent Enterprise Network presentation

You are invited to attend a Powerpoint slide presentation on

CANCELED

My apologies for the inconvenience. Reschedule to be announced.
Independent Enterprise Networks

The Powerpoint presentation is an overview of the at-home IE-Network model:

Profits
&
Strategies

6:00PM
Friday August 15

Caffe Panini
(Conference Room on premises)
1105 S Mays Street
Round Rock, TX 78664

Caffe: http://www.caffepaninitx.com/

location: http://www.caffepaninitx.com/1698692.html

Who should attend?

Independent Apparel Retailers

Independent Apparel Contractors

Independent Computer Systems Builders

Questions or comments:
GTorresCUE@gmail.com 512.218.4627

Two Surveys: At-home apparel and computers

There are two surveys posted this weekend. The first one is directed at Information Technology (IT) individuals with Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE) in computer and related aspects. The second survey is directed at those individuals with the KSE in apparel.

The purpose of these surveys is to generate data for the benefit of independent retailer/resellers in apparel and computer sales. Certainly, the information would be just as useful for individuals. The data is expected to reflect the range of talent, interest and location of those individuals.

Should anyone be so fortunate as to partner with an independent business to supply their apparel or computer needs that would be great. Everybody is free to do so. However, a partnership, or the creation of networks, between individuals and retailer/resellers would be for the greater benefit of many other individuals with their own wealth resources. Your KSE are your wealth resources. Furthermore, a network, although it is local, initially, expands to regional then state, then nationwide areas. These entrepreneurial opportunities are between enterprises, that is, individuals and retailer/resellers, not employees.

Take the survey and let others know you are part of the vast talent in America willing to do the best for your family. Should you wish to write any comments you may email them to: GTorresCUE@gmail.com or post your thoughts on this article.

One Dress, One Computer at a Time

There are workers in several industries hit hard, one at a time, in America by the corporate practice of overseas outsourcing, incompetence and other factors. Among these is the apparel industry. Right along with apparel is the computer and IT industry, in general. Apparel holds the longer track record of the two and what transpires once these jobs leave our communities. There's one thing the computer industry and IT can learn from the apparel industry: Those jobs are not coming back.

There is opportunity, here.

Workers in the apparel and computer fields, respectively, have acquired, and in some instances, amassed a great deal of Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE). What many do not realize is they can utilize these KSE resources as entrepreneurs generating an income for their families. Furthermore, many mistakingly believe being self-employed or having a business of their own requires sums of money they do not have to open a shop. I would not advise either of them to leave their new jobs whether at McDonald's, Walmart or other place of employment. I will urge both to consider the potential dynamic of Independent Contractor-Networks. (IC-Networks)

The IC-Network model enables indviduals and retailers to build their businesses mutually, successfully, locally, regionally, statewide and nationwide. Apparel boutique and VAR (Value-Added Resellers) owners continue to struggle to increase sales and service revenues. The reason: If they are not sole individuals trying to do it all themselves they are small business employers who cannot afford to hire the additional workers to boost their revenues. Their business model can only carry them so far. Where major corporations will outsource; boutique and VAR owners shutdown.

The outsourcing of apparel and computer jobs overseas has left in its wake an enormous talent pool; people with the KSE to meet the needs of local boutique and VAR owners.

What is the difference between an upscale dress at Neiman-Marcus and one at a local boutique? Other then price and location: None. My point is the employee whose KSE produced the Neiman-Marcus dress on the production floor is the same person capable of producing the same for the boutique owner. Boutique owners can provide and build relationships with customers for whom corporate conventional mass production has given one option as consumers: One size fits none.

What is the difference between a name-brand computer and a whitebox / whitebook? Other than price and localtion: None. When Dell sized the whitebox market at 3 billion dollars it pretty much remained unchanged when Dell got out of it a couple years later. Who makes up that 3 billion dollar market as yet unpenetrated by the Acers, Dells, HPs and Lenovos? They are the low-income, Blacks and Hispanics who do not own a computer. They industry has moved on to pursue the current hot item: Laptops. I do not expect those who could not afford a desktop to race to their local retailer for their laptop.

No single boutique or VAR owner can rival the mega corporation's local chainstore. However, a local IC-Network can greatly increase the efficiency and productivity of their business with one dress, one computer at a time.

The IC-Network model targets other industries which lend themselves to independent contracting. The model will launch locally (in Round Rock, Texas) and expand regionally, statewide and nationwide. It represents promise and hope for our families, comuunities and country.

We welcome your comments.

Hope you will join us at that time.

Hollister CA

I admit I am at a loss to comprehend the mastermind at Abercrombie & Fitch who conceived of the Hollister CA apparel marketing scheme.

Hollister CA apparel is a long way from Hollister CA the agrarian community 100 miles south of San Francisco. It is most certainly not the trendy beach resort marketing makes it out to be to appeal to young buyers. It's about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.

My daughters love to shop there, as expensive as it is; it's their money. Hollister CA, for myself, is my high school town, class of 69.

The peculiar, though not surprising, thing about the agrarian Hollister CA phenomenon is with classmates and schoolmates I correspond with online. They are oblivious to the hip apparel reputation associated with the name Hollister CA when I describe it for them from deep in the heart of Texas.

Travel a little south to Los Angeles for a reality update. Where the Texas border region was once the jeans tailor shop of America boasting home to the largest of apparel manufactureres including Levi Strauss, Wrangler and many others, it is no more. El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville as well as San Antonio were coveted by New York designers for production of their brand. Although Dallas still sees a good level of apparel merchandising business it does not compare with the 70s, 80s and into the 90s. Now, Los Angeles California, alone, has become the hotbed of apparel design and manufacturing for the nation on par with New York.

That said, I want to go to California. I know Jed Clampett would say if the good Lord had wanted me there he wudda put me there. Truth is I was born in south Texas, but grew up in California.

My reasons and interest in California (as a place to live, it faded in my rearview mirror years ago) lie in its position in the world of apparel manufacturing, to be specific. Up until three years ago Texas vied for position among the top five states with New York being a far distant second to California. Texas is number one in the number of displaced apparel workers. In more recent years, that hierarchy has undergone a makeover with Pennsylvania and Connecticut entering the mix. California remains in a distant first place.

Now, I know we hear a lot about business and government partnering to eradicate sweatshops out of apparel manufacturing. However, I remember when my wife and I lived in Alhambra bordering on the east side of Los Angeles. Almost without fail every central American I met worked in apparel manufacturing as they had back in their countries and every one of them knew many others in similar life and employment situations. The media in the 80s often reported there were more central Americans, particularly Salvadoreans in Los Angeles than in El Salvador.

I believe the Independent Contractor Network model suits American and foreign workers who possess the KSE to create apparel. As entrepreneurs they can create apparel for independent retailers. IC-Networks generate residual income for them and their families. That holds far greater promise and value for them than California's top ranking or the hot apparel brands they crank out on the production floor. But, _ first comes Round Rock, Austin, then Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Abilene, Houston, El Paso, Laredo. . .

Women's Apparel Sales Down

I heard this news on NPR radio (KUT 90.5 in Austin) on December 26. It was a takeoff on The New York Times story on the women's apparel sales slump it called an, "ominous holiday sign". Lets assume women's apparel sales are down at your business: What do you make of it? Do you see it as the glass being half full, or half empty? That is, do you see it as opportunity or gloom.

Four points stand out on which I would like to comment.

1 What do analysts see as the reason for this situation? Some, "Analysts blamed a rough economy".

2 Others see this situation as one which could, ". . .could result in steeper-than-expected discounts".

3 Yet another reason for cited for the problem was "lackluster merchandise in the mall", and “There is a lot of sameness” in stores, Mr. Morris said.

4 Finally, analysts expressed surprise at the enduring strength of online spending.

First, the ecomony is a big blanket. It's too easy for analysts in a holiday rush to blurp that one out for inquiring reporters wanting to get the scoop on holiday spending pulse. It says alot and it says nothing for myself, a non-economist.

Second, this speaks to that secret the cat let out of the bag long ago: Apparel merchandise price markups are steep. Yes, that's an understatement, but it also serves to the point that it's an equally steep descent when those prices come down as "discounts" for customers.

Third, "lackluster" and "sameness" in off-the-rack, readywear apparel are synonyms of one another. Rich or poor, people are increasingly aware they need not settle for the same-mold-same-old (truthfully, this is the first time I ever write that phrase and if it's not the one you know I think mine speaks accurately to the issue lol). Robyn Waters, in "The Hummer and the Mini" has written long and well on this trend of consumers rebelling against the "one size fits none" (not her phrase) of manufactured goods.

Lastly, there should be no surprise about the enduring strength of online spending. As I have posted before, women's apparel sales surpassed the behemouth juggernaut of computer manufacturing sales in 2007 for the first since the advent of Internet sales and data compliation.

I am not persuaded women (and moms, as the story relates) let up on their personal shopping needs and wants for the holiday season. The story focuses on sales data mined by a credit card company. Quite likely, those were mega-chain store retailers, not the mom and pop, independent apparel boutique retailers behind those sales figures.

As I have stated before there are over 40 million (per the Home Sewing Association) people in America who sew in their homes. Although the HSA cannot say what percentage do so for leisure or profit when you take into account the number of people who have worked in apparel manufacturing I believe they are behind this sales slump. How, you ask? I'm all alone on this one, but I believe just as we are seeing in Austin so too in other parts of the country consumers, women, particularly, are discovering the wonderful world of apparel fashion and style at local independent retailers. These retailers, particularly if they have are having their apparel made by local individual, independent contractor/designers do not show up on the sales radar for mainstream data businesses such as credit card companies. It's not an ominous sign. The glass is not half empty. It's a great sign of opportunity being taken advantage of by independents. What do you think?

Brainstorming facility in Texas

I was brainstorming with a friend about the "facility in Texas" post. I respect her vast range of experience in apparel. She shared her thoughts about some common expectations, costs and a vision. She did not wish to trouble herself with this blog business so she gave me a go-ahead to share her thoughts. Her thoughts inspired the following questions.

What if "manufacturers", or "contractors", that is, the individual(s) who bring workers together, revised the way in which they obtain their compensation?

Manufacturers commonly rely on big ticket orders from retailers for mass production of apparel items. When the volume, or specialization, is beyond their capability
they turn to contractors, those once-upon-time countless, tiny "workshops" whose lifeline attached directly to the manufacturer. Both, take their lion's share of
of money received for goods made then dole out meager wages to those who did most of the work.

Yes, that is the traditional and conventional way of business and one I reject. If manufacturers' and contractors' compensation expectations included their workers
first, the workers themselves would be their best agents to attract an expanding workforce. Hence, manufacturers and contractors could service so many more
clients.

Alas, the above is not a good fit in the present conventional apparel manufacturing model in Texas or anywhere.


What if retailers looked more closely at their advertising dollar to sales ratio?


Retailers spend huge bucks on advertising. Even independent retailers' smaller advertising costs weigh heavily on their accounts ledger. The Internet is here. Where are you? If, as my friend says, and I have written the same, buyers are shopping for "Made in USA" or "Made in Texas" they can find it readily without you spending precious dollars on advertising.

Akeen to the Internet is word-of-mouth. That, folks, is the original social internet even before MySpace. IF, you could sell less, but without the cost of advertising, know you have an expanding awareness of your business driven for you by your customers and end up with higher margins for yourself, which would you prefer?

Alas, the above is not a good fit in the conventional apparel retailing model in Texas or anywhere.



What if an interested party were to buy up old factories and refurbish them with modern technology and well-paid workers?

I do not know this is being done. I do know the jury verdict is pending on those old factories which went into full refurbishing mode even while laying-off excess workers.
Those were workers not necessary in the operation of the new, modernized, technologically, reborn factory. I have not checked how many of those continue, still. I do know a look at Texas state job market projections as near as 2008 and 20 years down the road show no signs of apparel life in the future. No, do not be alarmed. This is opportunity!

Even if the wonders of a modernized factory were to result in considerable worker wage increases one should bear in mind the number of those fortunate workers
would be a far cry from those employed in that same factory, formerly. Clearly, I am neither an economist nor a venture capitalist, but I see a very steep climb
for the investor's dollar before he could expect a return and a good one at that in this kind of deal.

Alas, the above is not a good fit in the conventional manufacturing model in Texas or anywhere.

I do not take credit for the phrase, but I think the consumer turned-up-nose attitude, "One size fits none" to ready-to-wear is manufacturing' s karma come back on them.
The Independent Contractor Network model is driven by the expectations members place on themselves. The costs of apparel production and retail are intimately
connected between member contractors and retailers. The vision is one of esteem and value, not just of business, but of the business of people. The benefits follow.

Devuskha apparel - - dresses

DEVUSHKA is the brainchild of Jenny Howe and her business partner in Austin, Texas.

It is their apparel line. It's dresses.

It's about a need and an opportunity.

Got KSE?

Give Jenny a call and ask her about "cut and sew".

512.507.9176

Jennybean_13@yahoo.com

All arrangements and agreements regarding service and compensation are between you and Jenny and partner.

WM

A real poetic piece of work

Cotton is to textile what textile is to fabric what fabric is to apparel.

Letters are to words what words are to poetry what poetry is to God.

Little things make big things. Big things make little things.

What you do is not important, but it is important that you do it.

It is written, "You are the workmanship of God created for good works". That big word, "workmanship" is a translation of a small greek word which is variously translated in english as "poem", "poet", "poetry", "poetic". ("works" is "energy")

It's fair to say poetry, whether or not we are versed in it or is not for us, is a putting together of many letters to create a few words which can say so much. No less, the spinner who spins cotton to make yarn to create a piece of cloth.

Certainly, no less did God spin in his hands to create a piece of work, a "poem" when he created man. No wonder, then, that we discover such great joy with the work, the creation, the poem, the tapestry woven by our hands. It's not that it's big or small that makes it important. What is important is that you do it, because thereby you reflect the image and glory of our maker.

Truly, we are a real poetic piece of work.

Be of good cheer.