Iron Heart Products - What do you think we should make?

[long_john86]

Sounds extremely complex with a lot of factors at play. Thanks for the insight both. Is there adequate safeguarding of the skills (artisanal, technical, craft) to future-proof production down the line? I suppose I’m comparing to a traditional craft skill, many of which are on their knees because there is no uptake on apprentices to facilitate intergenerational transmission / the next generation taking on the mantle.

[Giles]

The generational shift away from "traditional" crafts is one of our largest challenges.

[Yoprst]

It also would be nice to see this shirt that has very attractive pattern as well as colour combination back

[long_john86]

@Giles I suppose there is also the creative side to it as well? The balance between tradition (Continuous Production) and innovation (the creation of new products). Clearly there is a ridiculous amount of creativity and design genius that goes into the products. With that level of design talent I’m sure it must sometimes be challenging to choose a continuous production item over the production of a new creative idea or interpretation? Creative people needing creative outlet etc…
What is the general feeling towards the notion of revival runs of IH ‘classics’? Too much of a slave to history, or welcomed in principle?

[Giles]

I think that we all love the idea, but as I said we have to balance what we do.

[goosehd]

Also have to consider what you call a classic. Your, mine, and everyone’s else’s opinion on that will not be the same.

How to approach it where everyone will be happy would be very difficult. It’s hard to make everyone happy now

[Yoprst]

@goosehd It could be probably solved by better demand supply relationship. Thus we can see that some classic as well as new fashioned stuff (continuous production) has stuck on the store shelves while the seasonal/limited run is on continuous demand

[goosehd]

@Yoprst I’m really sorry, but I’m having a hard time understanding your comment. It might be a translation issue or my ability to comprehend it.

Can you explain it a little differently?

[Yoprst]

@goosehd My message was that often seasonal or limited run is in higher demand than continuous one and probably to make seasonal/limited run continuous would make happy if not everybody but the majority of us

[Tago Mago]

@Yoprst the higher demand could simply be a result of the item being seasonal, so people know that once it’s gone it won’t come back

[goosehd]

@Tago-Mago astute observation

[goosehd]

In my opinion, most individuals first IH purchase are one of the continuous items such as jeans or a jacket. Once I made that purchase, then I started buying UHF’s, shirts, etc.

The continuous items gets customers in the door. The seasonal ones keep us here.

[Tago Mago]

Also, the continuous pieces are continuous for a reason. You could call them classic or core pieces, whereas the seasonal runs may be an opportunity to get a bit crazy and try something different.

[Yoprst]

@Tago-Mago On the other hand it could be a clear indication that the product is most desirable. No one would spend his money on the stuff that is not quite to his taste just because the product is not going to be restocked.

[goosehd]

@Yoprst That only applies when there are limited numbers of consumers. What I like and someone else does are two different things.

I’ve seen shirts sold by IH that I would never wear, but have almost immediately sold out. Does that make me wrong for not wearing it? I’ve seen items that I’ve loved and purchased only to go on discount because of poor sales.

It is impossible to predict sales and as @Giles said, if he could then he would be rich….or something to that effect.

[Tago Mago]

So the take home message is: there’s lots of variables here, some of which, such as customer demand, are beyond anyone’s control. IH have to try and balance everything, and judging by the success of the business they’re doing a pretty good job.

[Tago Mago]

@goosehd agreed. This spring/summer the dobby sashiko was the only piece I really wanted. Didn’t work for me, so I got a 62 indigo instead. If I buy a seasonal item I‘ll probably refrain from buying something from the continuous line

[Yoprst]

@Tago-Mago Don't take me wrong - I am not against core stuff at all, quite the opposite. I'm for making seasonal/limited run that flies away like hot dogs continuous production too. I stress it - not all seasonal/limited run but just the one that sells within a few days

[Yoprst]

@goosehd said in Iron Heart Products - What do you think we should make?:

In my opinion, most individuals first IH purchase are one of the continuous items such as jeans or a jacket. Once I made that purchase, then I started buying UHF’s, shirts, etc.

The continuous items gets customers in the door. The seasonal ones keep us here.

That's very true

[Tago Mago]

@Yoprst I understand, and I‘m sure given the resources IH would look at expanding the continuous section. It’s all a question of do you want to compromise your standard of quality to increase production and sales. I can’t say for sure, but I think I know the answer