With the North American economy stumbling back to its feet, good times are returning to Canadian businesses. Improving consumer confidence has resulted in a large and abrupt increase for goods and services.

The downturn and present recovery has found the clothing industry in a peculiar position. While the information genereration has the population used to quick or even instant order fufullment, the world of manufacturing is much different. The nature of clothing manufacturing is based on projections. A manufacturer must figure out how much of each style they think they will sell and then produce that figure to be ready for the upcoming season(s). The economy was running red hot in 2007, so the recession in 2008 hit fast and hard. A lot of manufacterers were left with a tremendous amount of stock, based on the ongoing demand of pre-recession levels. Meanwhile, the factories that were producing the were suddenly left without work. Domestic textile production ground to a near halt, and even textile factories in Asia were forced to close leaving many without work.

Clothing is back in high demand, and the industry is trying to play catchup, but there is a lag on the supply side. Production capabilities are not what they were, and stock shortages are commonplace. This has been further compounded by a worldwide cotton shortage and subsequent cost increases.

Of course balance will return shortly to the our industry, it is only a matter of time. Just how long it will take is uncertain.

Despite these issues, we and our partners have been prudent about ensuring stock levels remain adequate, and that our clients are affected little or none by shortages.

If you are preparing an order, we suggest you contact us at your earliest convenience to get the ball rolling, and ensure your reqiurements are fufilled by your deadlines.

Sincerely, Matt & Agata Ramey

West Coast Monograms