Tommy Evans, president and CEO of Alabama Wholesale Socks, has a vision for the future that includes American products in American homes. Evans is working hard to get his company ready for the trend. "We've bought some more machinery," he says, "and we're expanding our boot sock and heavy farmer sock lines. This month we're implementing a more accurate and faster order fulfillment system to better serve our customers, and we have a new retail website." The ambitious vision for growth is serving the company well, as it transitions from overseas sourcing to a completely domestic strategy. "At this point in time, we're totally made in America," Evans says. "We had been importing some goods, but we're coming back and just focusing on the goods we make on the American side." That evolution toward sourcing products at home is part of a larger movement in retail. "I think that's definitely a trend," Evans continues. "You can't export all the manufacturing of the country and expect it to maintain its strength and prosperity. I think folks are starting to recognize that."

Another factor for bringing back American manufacturing is that prices for imported goods are rising, and as they do, domestic goods become more competitive. "I think customers are realizing that they can buy American for about the same cost," says Evans. Booth Moore, Fashion critic writing for the LA Times, is witnessing the same Made-in-USA favoritism. "Studies show consumer attitudes toward goods made in America are improving. And though large apparel businesses used to have to move production offshore to stay competitive on price, some larger companies are finding they can produce here at home with only a minimal price difference passed on to shoppers." That's true for luxury products, as well as everyday items such as socks. "In the last few years, brands such as L.L. Bean, Pendleton, Frye, Stetson and Woolrich have played up their made in America heritage, creating a fashion trend for Americana," says Moore.

For more information:
Alabama Wholesale Socks
158 Industrial Dr.
Sylvania, AL 35988
Tel.: 256-845-4411
Toll Free: 866-61-SOCKS
Fax: 256-585-6026
Website: bamasocks.com