goWholesale

I have clothing from LL Bean and Banana Republic. Nice jackets etc...I have prelim estimates from China and Thailand to make the jackets at 20% the retail price I paid. Is it reasonable to think I can have the jackets manufactured, imported..and then distribute jackets in USA as a wholesaler? I make the jacket for $12, Sell for $18 or...sell online for $45 Retail via my website.

Well, personally, I think LL Bean clothing is about the ugliest around. Along with their catalog models. It is very conservative, no-personality, middle-age stuff. Without its name (or quality) you have nondescript clothing that can be found at any Sears. So if you're thinking that you'll sell "generic" LL Bean clothing made cheaper to LL Bean customers, I'm not sure that will fly. LL Bean clothing is already generic. I think their customers buy from them because they know the quality will be consistent and, FWIW, they have the name (not that LL Bean is any big name).

Re Banana Republic, while their clothing is trendier, IMO, it's still Gap-like stuff, meaning conservative and set apart mainly by its name. Without the name, really, what do you have that sets it apart?