<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rollin_Calf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There was a time when a significant proportion of the affordable shoes that were being sold in Jamaica were also <span style="font-style: italic">made</span> in Jamaica. Payless will reduce the chances of that ever happening again to zero.
</div></div>
But RC, that was during the days when we only needed three pairs of shoes The demand is now for shoes with lots of colors and intricate designs as well as high heels that go with outfits. Do you think Jamaican shoemakers can keep up with that demand?
Now there is always a niche market for certain shoes made by Jamaican artisans - I seem to recall shoes made from old car tires. Am I correct in this memory??
Well Peasie, if by "shoemaker" you mean the cobbler hammering away at some rough and ready boots in a dusty little shop on the roadside then no. And yes, there were "shoes" made from tractor tires back in the day.
But we also had <span style="font-style: italic">factories</span> where Bata and Van Del made shoes. We had <span style="font-style: italic">factories</span> that made furniture, tires and home appliances. Garment factories also thrived. As did those that made car batteries. Where have they all gone ???
There is nothing that Payless is selling that cannot be made in Jamaica. In theory.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rollin_Calf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well Peasie, if by "shoemaker" you mean the cobbler hammering away at some rough and ready boots in a dusty little shop on the roadside then no. And yes, there were "shoes" made from tractor tires back in the day.
But we also had <span style="font-style: italic">factories</span> where Bata and Van Del made shoes. We had <span style="font-style: italic">factories</span> that made furniture, tires and home appliances. Garment factories also thrived. As did those that made car batteries. Where have they all gone ???
There is nothing that Payless is selling that cannot be made in Jamaica. In theory. </div></div>
In theory, true. In practice, it ain't gonna happen.
Capital (equipment, technology) is so mobile and easily transferable these days that yes, shoe manufacturing can be encouraged - but that just opens up a whole heap of irritations. The U.S. as you know has seen its manufacturing sector plummet as industries have shifted to labor markets in Asia and South America.
How about Jamaica having political/legislative, um, balls, to institute policy such that companies like Payless are 'encouraged' through, say, tax incentives, to stock a percentage of their product that is wholly made in Jamaica?
BTW I meant factories not cobblers - thanks for the clarification
BTW (2) I completely forgot about Van Del thanks for the memory
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyRoyal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's the name of the Jamaican sneakers that came out in the 80's the one with the rubber bottom. </div></div>
bata bullets?
When its hot in the jungle of peace I go swimming in the ocean of love.....
We process personal data about users of our site, through the use of cookies and other technologies, to deliver our services, personalize advertising, and to analyze site activity. We may share certain information about our users with our advertising and analytics partners. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Tweet
Comment