SmartWool announced that its Aero-Lite and Thermo-Wt. base layers will not ship to retailers for Winter 03/04. This includes base layer tops and bottoms for men and women and the beanie, balaclava, neck gaiter and headliner.
Preliminary quality and performance testing revealed that a percentage of the Aero-Lite and Thermo-Wt. garments failed to withstand repeated washings and dryings. With no way to know which products would remain intact, SmartWool was forced to pull the entire line before any products were shipped to retailers.
“We are tremendously disappointed to announce this news but are relieved that our quality control practices found the problem before shipping,” said SmartWool President Chip Coe. “SmartWool does not compromise on the quality of our raw materials, and as a result we have enjoyed a product return rate that is well under the industry norm. We value our relationships with our retailers and are committed to ensuring that their customers are 100% satisfied with SmartWool products.”
SmartWools other product lines socks, gloves, sweaters, jackets, BodyWear and VersaWear are all manufactured at alternate facilities and will be available to retailers and consumers as scheduled. The BodyWear and VersaWear lines are new for Winter 03/04 and will offer consumers alternative options for base layers.
“SmartWool has a long, bright future in the base layer and apparel categories and we intent to preserve our reputation in these areas at all costs,” said Coe. “We believe that the retail community and outdoor industry will appreciate and respect that we stand for uncompromising product performance and quality, and we will return to reclaim the market with our base layer products in 2004.”
