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The Tip is 'Ask Before You Buy' I went to a department store for a pair of dress shoes recently. The clerk helped me with three different pairs that I tried on. 'The Big Secret' was on the forefront of my mind so I asked, "Are these shoes imports?" The salesman responded that they were in fact imported. "Do you have any Made In America shoes like these?" I asked. To my surprise he said, "We have a whole line of Made In USA shoes." I was able to purchase the same color and style with the Made In USA label. These Made in America shoes were less expensive, came with a better warranty and were more comfortable. It's amazing how often this simple Made in US question yields unexpected and often times pleasant results. I now ask this question regularly, whereas before I would not have thought to ask for a Made in America alternative. More often than not, I can find a Made in America product of higher quality and at the same, or slightly higher price. Asking the question is so simple and can make a positive impact, in both the short and long term. Try it sometime. If you are like me, you may be surprised with how many Made in US products are out there. You will love it when you realize you are making a difference that benefits many. With your help America will be ours again and that is a good thing. Buying Tip Continued - Read more on Made in America Products by Gateway Shoes Shoes have been manufactured in our town for over 30 years. Back in the 70s, our town had over one hundred people making shoes for retailers all over the US. But times changed and most of the shoe industry outsourced to China for lower prices. Gateway decided that it was more important to keep a factory open and find a way. We found industries that need a dedicated stock of similar shoes in many sizes. We make the best quality for each of their needs and provide stocks of shoes for them to use in their peak seasons. We strive to be the best supplier for every customer. While today we have about twenty craftsmen and women, they have experience in years that number in the hundred. We specialize in one of only a few ways to attach the sole to shoe (upper). It is called direct attached injection molding. We consider ourselves experts in this efficient process. We buy materials from vendors in the USA and all over the world. Quality and value drive our vendor relationships. Each shoe factory job is believed to affect at least 7 other jobs in the community. We believe in our community and our country. WE RECYCLE!! That has been a key part of how we have persevered as the rest of our competitors moved offshore. We like to call it repurposing of other industry's production. We are always looking for new ways to further reduce our footprint. But we can say this, buying goods made at Gateway Shoes wins the shipping carbon load competition with China. We operate a clean and safe factory and also have an office in St. Louis for administration. Our history is really about our people. They cut, sew, stamp, string, last, trim, clean, lace, bag, and box. Buy some shoes, ask your friends if they know about Gateway Shoes , start a discussion about Made in the USA for your wedding or next big formal event. Ask for Gateway Shoes at your tuxedo store or bridal shop. |
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