In the last two days, we have visited two companies in the fashion industry. Yesterday we visited Pampa & Pop (http://www.pampapop.com/), which was started three years ago by two women who used to work in the non-profit industry and who shared a love of fashion. They decided to create Pampa & Pop as a stand against slave labor in the fashion industry and to share the idea of ethical fashion with the world. They specialize in women's accessories and clothing, all made of either Argentinian leather or organic cotton. Many people don't know that Argentina has some of the best leather in the world. It is a fact that there are literally more cows than people here!
Currently, Pampa & Pop sells products to retailers in Europe and Japan, including the exclusive Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Their competitive advantage is the high quality of their leather products, the ethical practices behind their brand, and the fact that they create products in bright, fun colors that fit the styles of women of all ages. Our group (especially the women) really enjoyed hearing this entrepreneurial story and seeing the merchandise. We were even asked our opinions on whether or not Pampa & Pop should try to enter the North American market. After seeing the amazing quality and design of the products, many of us were convinced that they could do quite well in the U.S.
The second fashion company we visited was Tejidos San Nicolas. This company was started by three Greek brothers and is still run by their sons today. Originally a textiles manufacturer, the company has diversified its business portfolio to include real estate, food, and logistics. Today, instead of manufacturing textiles, the company has changed its business model to just import textiles from China and sell them to large companies such as Lacoste and Zara in Argentina for production of their final goods.
We met with the owner of the company who not only told us a great deal about the company, but also shared his opinions on the current economic state of Argentina and some of the pros and cons of doing business in Argentina. He also asked us about our own country's economic state and how business is doing. It was a very interesting to hear what he had to say about Argentina's economic history and future, and overall an enlightening experience for us.
Tonight, we are going to a tango show. I'm excited to witness one of Argentina's greatest traditions and will be sure to comment on it tomorrow! Until then, ciao!
Currently, Pampa & Pop sells products to retailers in Europe and Japan, including the exclusive Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Their competitive advantage is the high quality of their leather products, the ethical practices behind their brand, and the fact that they create products in bright, fun colors that fit the styles of women of all ages. Our group (especially the women) really enjoyed hearing this entrepreneurial story and seeing the merchandise. We were even asked our opinions on whether or not Pampa & Pop should try to enter the North American market. After seeing the amazing quality and design of the products, many of us were convinced that they could do quite well in the U.S.
The second fashion company we visited was Tejidos San Nicolas. This company was started by three Greek brothers and is still run by their sons today. Originally a textiles manufacturer, the company has diversified its business portfolio to include real estate, food, and logistics. Today, instead of manufacturing textiles, the company has changed its business model to just import textiles from China and sell them to large companies such as Lacoste and Zara in Argentina for production of their final goods.
We met with the owner of the company who not only told us a great deal about the company, but also shared his opinions on the current economic state of Argentina and some of the pros and cons of doing business in Argentina. He also asked us about our own country's economic state and how business is doing. It was a very interesting to hear what he had to say about Argentina's economic history and future, and overall an enlightening experience for us.
Tonight, we are going to a tango show. I'm excited to witness one of Argentina's greatest traditions and will be sure to comment on it tomorrow! Until then, ciao!
You can teach us ALL how to Tango!!
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