Saturday, October 25, 2008

A Family Favorite, Anderson-Little Is Back!

The classic New England clothier, Anderson-Little is again making apparel in the USA. Founded in 1933 by Morris B. Anderson, this apparel manufacturer pioneered the concept of "factory direct to you." Anderson-Little garments were well received and appreciated by consumers and the company grew to 40 outlets. At one time, they employed 600 people in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Anderson-Little was a regional brand and was sold in 1966 to Richman Brothers, a national chain. The brand was bought and sold a few times until finally the last store was closed in 1998.

My family considered this a noteworthy loss because Anderson-Little was a family favorite. The garments were smartly designed, well made & comfortable. They wore well and as with most US made goods, they were fairly priced. Somehow the fit was ideal because I can't recall ever exchanging an Anderson-Little garment.

The Classic Blue Blazer - $139.00 plus free shipping

The Anderson-Little label and my own family are an example of business done right. This solid brand earned our trust & loyalty and wove its way into the fabric of our lives, our celebrations and memories. Birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas were all occasions that included a well received gift from this clothier and they were also the occasions this clothier's garments were worn.

It took years for the indomitable Scott Anderson, grandson of Morris Anderson to legally reclaim the name Anderson-Little. I'm not surprised that the Anderson family would return to what they know and do well - manufacturing men's apparel. It's not simply something they do - it's who they are; which as an American manufacturer, I understand.

Many US made products bear someone's name which traces to the pride they feel in what they've produced. Such folks understand there's a better way to do business and they're stubborn in insisting on employing American workers, offering the value of fairly priced well made goods and delivering superb customer service.

No type of compensation is involved as my words are offered as a satisfied customer. I find comfort in a familiar and time tested brand. I can spend my money and be assured of quality, fit and value. I can also do business with folks, not unlike myself, who embrace standards and who treasure their reputation as I do my own.

As the Anderson family tradition continues so will the tradition in my own family. They'll be a box under the tree this Christmas for my son. He'll receive a classic blue blazer with a label that bears the name Anderson-Little, just as things should be in my home. I'll be proud of the gift I purchase and I have no doubt my son will take pride in his appearance, just like his father and grandfather before him.

Thank you Mr. Scott Anderson & Mr. Stuart Anderson. Your family reminds me of who we are as a people and I thoroughly appreciate the reminder. Moxie is after all a hallmark of American manufacturers. Please know that your return to the American marketplace is greatly welcomed.


No surprise here that I could quickly dip into my stockpile of gift boxes and retrieve a suitable box for my son's Christmas present.

This long lived box is sturdy - like the garments - like the family - like the brand.

Should anyone wonder why I buy American made goods?

Mary - web person for Find US Made.com

1 comment:

  1. First of all, I want to thank you for your interest in and support for Anderson-Little. I also want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. As we all know, nothing complements a well dressed bird better than a well dressed man in an Anderson-Little Classic Blue Blazer. Our story is very simple. After years of having our family name bought and sold and licensed until it disappeared, my Father and I bought our name back and decided to re-launch the company with a Classic Blue Blazer. My family has a 75 year tradition of selling "factory direct to you," so we felt the internet would be a great way to reach our loyal customers directly without the cost of retail locations. We also really look forward to meeting a new generation of customers. It's a sturdy, practical coat for young men in need of a staple for their wardrobe and a solid performer for any man looking for an all purpose jacket. It's a wonderful gift for a son or father.

    I just love the fabric which I selected myself. It's light, but it's durable and holds its shape beautifully. I've flown coast to coast and stuffed my jacket in the overhead and it held up great--something I just can't do with a tropical wool. I also insisted on deep interior pockets for iphones, blackberry's and so forth. I'm a fanatic about buttons that fall off, so I made sure mine don't!

    Not only is it great to be working with my Dad, but we are also manufacturing here in America which was an absolute must for us. Because my Father spent much of his life on the factory floor and I spent most of my youth on the retail floor, we felt we wanted to bring back a garment that could be made and sold at a popular price. Anderson-Little was always known for two things, excellent value and exceptional service. As we are personally involved in every detail, I can assure you that both of these family traditions are being embraced.

    We even designed a unique and special box that opens like a flower. It protects the garment as much as possible from wrinkling and settling during shipping. I know I've gotten mail order clothing that looks like its been run over by a truck and we wanted none of that. My Father worked extensively with Federal Express to match their guidelines with our product and he did a great job. The presentation is just beautiful and the garment arrives virtually ready to wear.

    I am extremely proud to say that since we re-launched in August, only one blazer has been returned. A woman bought it as a gift for her husband who bought and wore one himself before ours arrived. Naturally, we gladly refunded her purchase price and paid her return shipping. If you call our 800 number we have 24/7 live answering. No voice prompts or complicated menus. We just answer the phone and if I or my Father are not available, we'll call you back as soon as we can and answer your question. I hope we have the opportunity to serve you as an Anderson-Little customer. It will be our pleasure.

    I am delighted that you will be continuing a family tradition to have one of our blazers under your tree. I consider it a personal honor to be invited into your home and your family during the holiday season and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.

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