"As much as everyone says they want to buy stuff made in the U.S., the reality is consumers are extremely price sensitive. There’s only so much people are willing to spend to get something made in a certain place."
Filson is the best. They sell the greatest outdoor & travel gear. On top of that, while I’ve made many purchases from them, there have been a couple pieces that eventually became damaged or broken. I’ve had no trouble taking them to the flagship store* for a quick repair. Love it.
* That flagship store is just incredible. Along with the RL Mansion across from Central Park, it epitomizes how well an effective shop can promote its product all by itself (and Alex, if you’re reading this, I would love a ticket to Wednesday’s event!)
I *love* what Filson has done in the last several years, and I agree with you that they've done an amazing job of balacing heritage with the need to evolve.
One thing that I want to add about the flagship store in Seattle is how nice and enthusiastic their employees are. I often go in there with my kids, and the salespeople are so good at helping me out (I'm a weird size, so I'm always asking someone to dig around in the back for me) while distracting my kids with free stickers or notebooks, or that machine that turns pennies into coins with fancy designs on them.
You're absolutely right that it's impossible to walk out of there without buying something. If they add a bar in there at some point, my credit card balance is gonna be fucked.
Cool interview, Michael. I cherish my Filson pieces -- coat, hat, travel briefcase, dry bag, and rod & reel case (thanks, Coggins, for that latest addition). Well-made, durable and gorgeous. That's a pretty great, and rare, mix these days.
"As much as everyone says they want to buy stuff made in the U.S., the reality is consumers are extremely price sensitive. There’s only so much people are willing to spend to get something made in a certain place."
Ain't it the truth.
I’ve been a Filson user for close to 20yrs now. I tend to use my zip top tote more these days than my 256 bag, but I won’t part with either
I was at an estate sale recently and found an original, zip tote from the talon zipper era. Never used, tags and catalog still attached.
Filson is the best. They sell the greatest outdoor & travel gear. On top of that, while I’ve made many purchases from them, there have been a couple pieces that eventually became damaged or broken. I’ve had no trouble taking them to the flagship store* for a quick repair. Love it.
* That flagship store is just incredible. Along with the RL Mansion across from Central Park, it epitomizes how well an effective shop can promote its product all by itself (and Alex, if you’re reading this, I would love a ticket to Wednesday’s event!)
What a great interview, thanks for sharing this.
I *love* what Filson has done in the last several years, and I agree with you that they've done an amazing job of balacing heritage with the need to evolve.
One thing that I want to add about the flagship store in Seattle is how nice and enthusiastic their employees are. I often go in there with my kids, and the salespeople are so good at helping me out (I'm a weird size, so I'm always asking someone to dig around in the back for me) while distracting my kids with free stickers or notebooks, or that machine that turns pennies into coins with fancy designs on them.
You're absolutely right that it's impossible to walk out of there without buying something. If they add a bar in there at some point, my credit card balance is gonna be fucked.
Cool interview, Michael. I cherish my Filson pieces -- coat, hat, travel briefcase, dry bag, and rod & reel case (thanks, Coggins, for that latest addition). Well-made, durable and gorgeous. That's a pretty great, and rare, mix these days.
I'm new to Filson, but love what I see. Thanks for sharing, Michael.