Scotsman Archive

Scots goods in US, 4 March, 1950

BRITISH sales managers admitted today that goods made in Scotland could sell in America almost regardless of price, while similar goods manufactured in England did not find a buyer.

This emerged during a conference held by the Incorporated Sales Managers' Association of Great Britain ahead of a meeting this month at which American sales managers will exchange views with industrialists on how to capture dollar trade.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr James Lenton, chairman, told how Americans were enraptured by Scottish goods. His own firm had received an order for 16,000 articles made of tartan, together with a follow-up order for 60,000 accessories. Other speakers also referred to the remarkable pull of Scottish goods in America. One said it was impossible to get into the US sweater market. If, however, a sweater was made in Scotland it was "just wonderful". This was another aspect of what was known as the "snob appeal". Scottish skirts sold in California at $16 each, against a normal price of $6 to $8.

archive.scotsman.com