re: Two businesses that I am a big fan of have made some big changes...

quote:

---

Just curious as to sudden business pivots from folks who either have A - Incredibly successful brands or B - Innovators who literally created a retail segment that is now copied and imitated the world over.

---

Change inevitably happens to all your favorite brands. I buy a lot of Filson stuff, mainly luggage. Their prices have increased at least 20% in the past few years (a medium duffle went from $295 to $395). It's owned by a group who, rightfully, want to capitalize on their current popularity. Is it at the expense of quality? Probably, but only time will tell.

Similarly I used to only buy Polo Ralph Lauren suits. They were made in Italy by Canali & Corneliani. It was the perfect suit for me. Then Ralph decided to drop the prices and quality and move the manufacturing to Slovenia.

Regarding Saddleback: Have you looked at Colonel Littleton leather goods? They're not cheaper but a little less over-wrought than Saddleback. Compare two folio cases: Col. Littleton version, Saddleback version.