Florsheim - why have they just quit? Seems like they've given up.

enolasfinest · Feb 28, 2011

It seems like there is sizable sentiment on SF for Florsheim products of decades ago. From what I gather, more than a few men would consider purchasing Kenmoors or other classic models if they were constructed using the traditional methods here in the U.S. So the discussion I'd like to have is, why wouldn't the company consider this endeavor, priced accordingly?

From my experience, the made in India "Imperials" (if you can justify calling them that), are robbery @ $150+.

TheFoo · Feb 28, 2011

They probably make a lot more money selling those Indian-made Imperials. Also, it's quite possible the sort of labor necessary to make shoes in America just isn't available to them. Only Allen-Edmonds and Alden remain as American shoe manufacturers, and that's probably not an accident.

rebel222 · Feb 28, 2011

The customer base who want cheap dress shoes is greater than the people who care.

enolasfinest · Feb 28, 2011

From a lay perspective, it seems like enough people are interested in the "real stuff" today. Look @ ebay or the B&S forum. The good Florsheim stuff is still in demand.

Another option, would be to have a US shoe maker construct them under Florsheim badge. Besides the Florsheim characteristics and lasts, what would be the point I suppose?

TRINI · Feb 28, 2011

Originally Posted by enolasfinest

From a lay perspective, it seems like enough people are interested in the "real stuff" today. Look @ ebay or the B&S forum. The good Florsheim stuff is still in demand.

Do you really think that ppl on Ebay or SF are a sizable enough sample of the population?

TheFoo · Feb 28, 2011

Originally Posted by enolasfinest

From a lay perspective, it seems like enough people are interested in the "real stuff" today. Look @ ebay or the B&S forum. The good Florsheim stuff is still in demand.

In demand by how many, and relative to how much supply? You can make the same argument that Nikon, Canon, and Kodak should all be rushing back to developing film scanners because people on photography forums are willing to pay a lot for old scanners to scan their 35mm film.

Forums like this, and eBay, attract people with very particular interests that tend to be diverge from the mainstream.

Ianiceman · Feb 28, 2011

Originally Posted by rebel222

The customer base who want cheap dress shoes is greater than the people who care.

I think this is about right. Most people don't have the time or patience to educate themselves about shoes. At a distance, a current Florsheim, say a longwing, looks very similar to an AE MacNeil but at about half the price so to most people that is a bargain. Same goes for J and M who have a number of shoes that LOOK decent until you get up really close and see the leather, craftsmanship etc. aren't very good and they are made offshore and not built to last.

enolasfinest · Feb 28, 2011

I am not suggesting that the SF & Ebay are a representative sample. What I'm suggesting is that there is a niche out there that might make it worthwhile.

In constrast, how many people are rushing out to buy the Duckie Brown stuff. That seems like an utter waste of resources. I assume that MOST people that are spending Duckie Brown $, would want to be able to wear the shoes w/ a suit for business.

TRINI · Feb 28, 2011

Originally Posted by enolasfinest

I am not suggesting that the SF & Ebay are a representative sample. What I'm suggesting is that there is a niche out there that might make it worthwhile.

In constrast, how many people are rushing out to buy the Duckie Brown stuff. That seems like an utter waste of resources. I assume that MOST people that are spending Duckie Brown $, would want to be able to wear the shoes w/ a suit for business.

The cost of making the shoes you're talking about > the profits earned by the small amount of people will to pay the premium.

People buy the Duckie Brown stuff because of the design.

Nicola · Feb 28, 2011

There might be a interest but I bet if they did most of the people would complain about the price and buy something else.

TheFoo · Feb 28, 2011

Originally Posted by TRINI

People buy the Duckie Brown stuff because of the design.

I thought it was because they don't have any taste.

enolasfinest · Feb 28, 2011

Originally Posted by Nicola

There might be a interest but I bet if they did most of the people would complain about the price and buy something else.

I think this would probably be the case. Either way, I think "new" old Florshiem would be an appealing option.

mcbrown · Feb 28, 2011

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florsheim_Shoes

It's not that they quit, it's that the world quit buying their shoes. The entire men's shoe market in the US was decimated in the 90's (thanks, Nike). The Florsheim name changed hands several times; the manufacturing operation in the US disappeared years ago and is gone for good. A few shoes selling on Ebay for $80 aren't going to bring it back.

enolasfinest · Feb 28, 2011

I suppose if consumers continue to buy the Indian made "Imperials" there will never been incentive to do a U.S. made shoe in the future. What a bummer.

Do you guys think that name is ruined forever. If a U.S. made traditional Kenmoor were out there at $325 retail (like a MacNeil), would you consider it?

mcbrown · Feb 28, 2011

Originally Posted by enolasfinest

Do you guys think that name is ruined forever. If a U.S. made traditional Kenmoor were out there at $325 retail (like a MacNeil), would you consider it?

If all such a company did was take sales from AE, then we would be having this same discussion about AE in 20 years. I think the world has just about the right number of manufacturers in this space right now. Frankly, I'm already worried that Alden will misread their current little boom in popularity, make some poor financial decisions based on overly optimistic projections, and then go the way of Florsheim.

Florsheim - why have they just quit? Seems like they've given up.

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