Filson - redux and NYC Grand Opening

[Bob Marino]

I've been a Filson fan for a good number of years, have a bunch of their clothing - mostly jackets and a few shirts and these have all worn well - nothing shoddy there.

But man o man, has Fison changed over the last few years and has really gone after the hipster market (and maybe the aging boomers too -  [smile] .) Maybe not a bad marketing move at all, but certainly different for Filson.

Check out the people they chose to model.
https://www.filson.com/?gclid=CLGbl8ubosECFYMF7Aodu3oALg
https://www.filson.com/men/coats-jackets.html
https://www.filson.com/women.html

  My thoughts - essentially do what you need to do, but please don't cheapen your products as you remain an iconic USA brand.

And now with a new Flagship store opening this week in NYC - they will expand that market big time.
Whatever your thoughts on Filson, check out the video about the NYC store. Very good use of an old Pacific NW.

 

[c_dwyer]

Same here, Filson fan for many years. Unfortunately, one of the very few items that is finally on its way out (waxed ball cap) is now going to cost me in the neighborhood of $45 to replace. Looked in my local sporting goods store last week. Yes, I can only imagine what prices are going to do now, and worse, whether I'll actually see someone else wearing anything Filson. Kudo's to them for the marketing shift though, and for evolving.

I did see a Festool event scheduled for the Filson flagship store in NYC and wondered, what the....

 

[Bob Marino]

  NYC - grand opening this weekend.
https://www.filson.com/our-company/store-locator/new-york-store

I may go Sunday.

 

[Brian Livingstone]

Hi Bob,

I had never heard of Filson before I read about the brand here. Looks like really great, durable and timeless gear.

As a Canadian, I love these vintage, “made in America” brands.

I bought two pairs of Redwing boots in the last month and I am loving wearing them.  Artisanal brand built to last.  I think I am a better cabinetmaker wearing them.

Enjoy the grand opening.  Here’s a photo of my Redwings.

Brian

 

[kent B]

One of the best buys ever I think.

I shop in St Vincent store when going to be painting or glueing  - don't have to be so careful if I get paint or glue on the work clothes I buy at St. Vinnies.

A person came in and was donating a new Filson winter jacket , a carry on bag and and another Filson bag. approx between $700 and $800 retail.

They marked them $12 - only took me a minute to say I'll buy them and gave clerk a $50 and said no change.

 

[Bob Marino]

Hi Bob,

I had never heard of Filson before I read about the brand here. Looks like really great, durable and timeless gear.

As a Canadian, I love these vintage, “made in America” brands.

I bought two pairs of Redwing boots in the last month and I am loving wearing them.  Artisanal brand built to last.  I think I am a better cabinetmaker wearing them.

Enjoy the grand opening.  Here’s a photo of my Redwings.

Brian

Are those the Iron Rangers? Nice looking boots, that should be very durable, as well as comfortable.

 

[Bob Marino]

One of the best buys ever I think.

I shop in St Vincent store when going to be painting or glueing  - don't have to be so careful if I get paint or glue on the work clothes I buy at St. Vinnies.

A person came in and was donating a new Filson winter jacket , a carry on bag and and another Filson bag. approx between $700 and $800 retail.

They marked them $12 - only took me a minute to say I'll buy them and gave clerk a $50 and said no change.

Kent,

I'm not sure I am following. What is one of the best buys and where is St Vincent's?

 

[mrgeigh]

I am a long time Filson and Redwing fan. Love these US companies but don't let them fool you. More and more of their products are.... Made in China. But they still charge made in USA prices. Look at Filson's newest catalog and see how many items are imported. Last time I went for a pair of Redwing shoes I think they displayed more made in China than US.. A disgrace to their brand.

 

[Bob Marino]

I am a long time Filson and Redwing fan. Love these US companies but don't let them fool you. More and more of their products are.... Made in China. But they still charge made in USA prices. Look at Filson's newest catalog and see how many items are imported. Last time I went for a pair of Redwing shoes I think they displayed more made in China than US.. A disgrace to their brand.

I hear you on that, as I'm very aware of where things are made and sadly many things once made here are made offshore.

 

[rljatl]

But man o man, has Fison changed over the last few years and has really gone after the hipster market (and maybe the aging boomers too - (see my avatar [smile] .) Maybe not a bad marketing move at all, but certainly different for Filson.

Boy, you're not kidding. 

Look what happened to Abercrombie and Fitch about twenty years ago.  Geesh, talk about changing...The top floor of the Atlanta store was devoted to high end hunting rifles, shotguns, and associated gear. 

Completely different modus operandi and clientel now.  You have to be a toothpick sized teenager  to wear anything they sell.

 

[greg mann]

Eddie Bauer got into urban mountaineering lines about the same time A and F made their changes. LL Bean seems to be following suit as well. I have a Filson rucksack that my great great grandson will probably store in the overhead on his first trip to Mars.

 

[rst]

I had an Eddie Bauer anorak that I would have bought around 69, wore it for years to install insulation...didn't know nylon could shrink so much...could be that I weigh 55 lbs more than then.  I still have an REI ruck from then and whenever I actually get to a store The clerks inevitably tell me I have the smallest member # they have seen.  50+ years of membership.

 

[Brice Burrell]

The love the idea, but can't find value in products for the price.  That said, I have one Filson product, a belt I bought on sale probably 6-7 years ago.  Best belt I've ever owned. 

 

[Sean7a]

Bob is THE best dressed man in the industry.  No contest.  I remember a jacket you wore to JLC years back that sealed the deal.

 

[jimbo51]

Filson has introduced some slightly lower priced items made in Canada!

They did bring boot making back to the US.

I was once traveling to the UK on British Air carrying a Filson garment bag and a male flight attendant made a comment to the effect of "handsome piece of luggage".

I have many Filson coats, bags and even a shirt or two, but the prices are getting a bit steep for me in retirement.

 

[Bob Marino]

Filson has introduced some slightly lower priced items made in Canada!

They did bring boot making back to the US.

I was once traveling to the UK on British Air carrying a Filson garment bag and a male flight attendant made a comment to the effect of "handsome piece of luggage".

I have many Filson coats, bags and even a shirt or two, but the prices are getting a bit steep for me in retirement.

Yes, I was surprised about the Made in Canada lower prices too. The good thing with many - not all Filson products is that they will last a very long time. But I also hear Brice about his not finding value ala bang for the buck.

 

[Bob Marino]

Bob is THE best dressed man in the industry.  No contest.  I remember a jacket you wore to JLC years back that sealed the deal.

Hardly best dressed, but thanks! File it under - what won't an aging boomer do?

I'm guessing you are referring to this Filson coat?

[attachimg=1]

 

[Sean7a]

YES THATS IT!

 

[Sparktrician]

I bought a Double Mackinaw Wool Cruiser jacket 20 or so years back.  It's wonderfully warm.  I've been out shooting skeet in a driving snowstorm wearing it and never got cold, unlike my fellow shooters.  I wish they'd bring back the Wool Packer coat in green or charcoal.  I'd spring for it in a heartbeat. 

 

[rljatl]

On the flip side, I noticed Carhart is now a This Old House sponser.  Kevin and some of the other guys are wearing Carhart clothes.