CHEK

noreply@blogger.com (CHEKgroup) — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:55:00 +0000

When Is Local, Local?

from PSFK by Piers Fawkes

Tyler Brûlé ends the May 08 issue of his Monocle magazine with an interesting observation piece on the meaning of local products. With the rebirth of locally-made businesses, he wonders if consumers are going to begin to wonder why they’re paying premium prices for products that are made cheaply in Asia and whether these consumers will continue to buy into a brands that leverage national heritage if all their production is outsourced elsewhere.

From Melbourne to Gothenburg to Minneapolis, retailers of everything from vegetables to fine knitwear are surveying the landscape, speaking to consumers and responding accordingly. When these businesses venture out into the wholesale market to purchase goods they’re disillusioned by rails filled with expensive, shoddily stitched garments made in countries with dirt-cheap labour costs and questionable employment laws. They’re unimpressed by porcelain companies that still sell their Swedishness but manufacture in Thailand. They’re worried that there’s no respect for finish or detail and that some of the world’s most respected premium brands (many gobbled up by dim private equity firms all working to the same, short-term strategies) have squandered everything in order to improve their margins while unwittingly offloading the real intellectual property - the painters, pattern makers, seamstresses and master carpenters.

I once asked the owner of a major Italian luxury goods house if she felt she was duping her consumers by playing up her brand’s Italian heritage while quietly manufacturing in China. She responded by saying she was creating jobs in China and that customers no longer cared where things were made and didn’t think about things like “mark-up”. I then asked her why, if she was so proud of her job creation in Shenzhen, wasn’t she proudly promoting this fact on her hangtags and labels? At this point the interview was brought to an abrupt close.

Few companies want to confront the follow-up question. Other than price, what’s the difference when both an original and a fake are cut, stitched, glued and bolted together in China, Vietnam and other low-wage markets? Is it really justifiable to get angry with consumers for opting for a fake when the mark-up for an original is extortionate and there’s no real difference in quality or the working conditions for the people that made the items?

Monocle

Milan 2008 GOING GREEN

noreply@blogger.com (CHEKgroup) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:20:00 +0000

MILAN 2008: Highlights from Salone Satellite

from INHABITAT by Antonia Halse

The entrance to this year’s Salone Satellite show welcomed all with a huge sign commanding ‘Go Green!’. A positive start, although we were surprised to hear that the ‘green’ theme was a last minute decision announced only a month earlier! Much too short notice for many designers to alter their Salone line up. We took the opportunity to put the Satellite exhibitors under the green spotlight, questioning them about their work and whether they would consider it sustainable. This resulted in some flat out ‘no’ responses, some confused looking faces, and a series of interesting conversations on the nature and boundaries of what is considered sustainable design today. Read on for highlights from the show!

(more…)

Is LOCAL the new green?

noreply@blogger.com (CHEKgroup) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:55:00 +0000

Not so long ago in our past, the United States represented the largest producer of textiles and apparel in the world.

However the American consumers thirst for better and less expensive products, as well as, the pressures of the corporate bottom line has pushed the sourcing of most production off-shore over the years.

Having worked in the industry for more than 20 years I have seen my fair share of companies struggle for existence and ultimately disappear. This trend not only hit us here at home but has also impacted many other countries more recently such as: Italy, Germany, Portugal, France, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.

Where will it all end? Only the future can tell, but given the current economic conditions, the changing tides of trade legislation, the need for better inventory management at the retail level, and changes in consumers preferences may mark a rebirth of industry here at home.

Over the next few weeks there will be a focus on telling about the success stories of those companies that have survived here in the US and why.

If you have a story that you feel should be told contact us at blog@checkgroup.com or leave a comment.

Product Design... what do today's designers need to consider?

noreply@blogger.com (CHEKgroup) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:03:00 +0000

Designers today not only need to consider how their decisions effect the form and function of a product, but also the impact their design choices have on the environment. Today designers need to ensure that environmental solutions are considered for printing, packaging, raw materials, and sourcing.

What can you do to reduce your carbon imprint? Consider using reclaimed fibers, natural inks, recycled papers, and look to invest in local production when ever possible.

Our next installment will focus on local production and organic what does it mean to the triple bottom line.

noreply@blogger.com (CHEKgroup) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:54:00 +0000

Design and development

CHEK’s unique design and development process begins with discovering the heart and soul of a brand. CHEK then defines the ultimate goal for the project and crafts a focused, step-by-step plan to accomplish it.

Brand and business incubation

CHEK combines entrepreneurial zeal with the ability to create and nurture intellectual property. CHEK provides a unique combination of creative vision, market insight and operational expertise to create proprietary brands.

Licensing and brand management

By creating a solid brand platform, CHEK positions companies to naturally expand their revenue stream through licensing and category extensions. CHEK customizes its approach based on each individual project's needs although, platform development often involves the creation of concept, positioning, identity, packaging, marketing, environment and public relations.

Image and Positioning

By analyzing a client's business CHEK can best determine how to strategically position each brand in the marketplace. CHEK extensively researches the market, and creates the steps necessary to provided its clients with a solid brand platform. All areas of development such as corporate identity, retail design, advertising, packaging, and product design are fleshed out and are handed over to the client in an executable form.

Product Sourcing

Our many years in international souring and manufacturing bring our customers the ultimate flexibility. CHEK’s strong network of international manufacturers matches the factories capabilities to your brand. We follow the product from concept through delivery of the product.