Yes one time all-Australian company now owned LMVH.

Of course they will need to greatly raise prices. Why? Because much of their leather is sort from o/s, and their current stock is bound to run out, and with the massive depreciation of the aussie dollar relative to the Euro R.M.W will be finding materials far more expensive and will consequently need to raise prices to cover their costs.

Bruce has been making hundreds of RMW lasts in recent months to allow the factory to double their workshop capability, and Bruce was on the phone to RMW production manager as recently as yesterday, so the info given here is as accurate and up to date as you can possibly get. 

Also remember that RMW pays good wages, and aussie footwear industry pay rates are double those of the U.K because Oz is a far more expensive place to live in for many different reasons. Footwear components are also far more expensive due to beauocratic red tape, greedy slobs, cartage costs, lower demand etc. Notice how RMW price-quality ratio isn't as good as some of the English makers...there is a very good reason for that....the business costs are very unique for an aussie footwear company compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Fortunately RMW will never have to worry about being price competitive because they have a STRONG and unique market niche' that very few shoo makers in the world would be lucky to have. We have the outback aussie image that is the backbone of RMW success, and that is why the goodyear welted boots will be made in Oz for the next 50 years or more and will never be made o/s in the near future....the owners of RMW and Robbyns are absolutely determined to keep it that way because they understand the reason behind the companies success, and they have the unique luxury of not having to worry so much about price competitiveness. 

Can't write anymore, l am busy.

Last edited by The_Shooman (2016-01-27 18:53:36)