FROM WARREN’S DESK
As most of you know, the jeans
business has slowed down in most markets.
If you keep up with what some of the other
factorie's around us are doing, we at W 8 J
Rives are extremely fortunate that we are
busy; and at this juncture, busy is an un
derstatement .
We are about to embark on the largest
programs that we have ever undertaken, we
have negotiated an agreement with Polo to
do a large quantity weekly of denim and
corduroy. This program is expected to run
through the end of August, and if all goes well, which it should with a
name like Polo, and with our quality of production and delivery, this
should be an ongoing program with us. Also, we have contracted to pro
duce the Ralph Lauren Women's Wear line for Bidermann Industries, who
has the license arrangement with Ralph Lauren to manufacture the women's
jeans, which is being done under the Ralph Lauren name, rather than Polo.
With this program, we will manufacture exactly the same product as the
men's line, except in ladie's sizes. You will note there will be fifteen
colors of corduroy. This kind of merchandising and design selection will
put them on the map and us along with it, as long as we continue to do
our normal job of high quality production and delivery. This should run
through August. Also, from Bidermann Industries, we have contracted to
do the Yves Saint Laurent production. This program is about twice the
size of the others. There is so much production that we cannot produce
as much as they desire. This production will amount to more than half
our capacity.
We have been able to maintain our position in the designer jean
market because of our excellent quality. The majority of our customers
have personally stated this to us.
As you know, during and after the move to the new plant, we may have
let our guard down slightly on our quality, and we are now endeavoring to
get that back in line. I cannot exptress the importance of the high quali
ty too much. In the hard times, the first thing that a retailer will do
is eliminate his poor quality and slow delivering customers. We don't
want to be one of them.
I urge you in earnest to endeavor to pursue the highest quality that
you are capable of doing. That is your best job security. I know that
we can, and will make the best garments that are produced in the industry,
as long as we continue to be the place "where the thread of quality is
sewn into every garment", we will be operating until the cows come home.
Let's do it together and let's be successful.