What do you want to see from Iron Heart Racing?
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Let’s wait and see if it’s full of Kevlar and costs 800USD first. In that case it might take a week or two… [emoji51]
Don't threaten Reuben with a good time.
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This might be sort of off topic for this thread, but if sales in Japan are dropping, has H considered making some "non-biker" wear? It wouldn't have to abandon the IH aesthetic, standards, etc., but some of the complaints you see about current productions have to do with features that are geared towards bikers, so maybe tweaking things for more of a mainstream appeal (e.g., shorter arms on certain pieces) would help.
Any idea of brands like the Flat Head, PBJ, etc popularity in Japan is dropping too?
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I'm just finishing up a job in Myrtle Beach, SC., which is known for it's large biker crowd and scene. One day for lunch, by accident myself and 2 co-workers went to lunch, the place we wanted was closed, but across the street was a bar called Suck Bang Blow. We ate there, on that day it was a very mellow crowd, and friendly. The Barman was showing me pictures of they're events they get thousands of attendees. Maybe some Iron Heart people should attend and display what they got. www.suckbangblow.com
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Above, I stated Myrtle Beach, I'm actually in Murrells Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach. Also a beautiful area.
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All Japanese brands in our space are having a hard time at the moment. We are better protected than most because of the size of our International sales. I predict we will see some well-loved names disappearing in the next couple of years…..
I hate to hear that. Why is this happening?
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I hate to hear that. Why is this happening?
I hope I am not stepping on a mine field here.
Aging demographics, and the need to connect with a younger generation. I also think the younger generation don't really want to wear what their dad (however young…) used to wear when they are growing up. They are bombarded with a lot of choices, mass marketing, fast fashion with cheaper and disposable clothing.
How many chambray / plaid / UHF shirts do you really need?
Pricing is probably another factor. The market is small and IH is a niche product (IMHO), not a lot of people willing to spend $$$ on a shirt / a pair of jeans. If they do, IH is probably not at top of the list unless you are a denim head. -
All Opinions are welcome I would think. I understand what you are saying and you sure were respectful and non confrontational.
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All of that has been true for a very long time though, and Japanese brands have done well enough. I’m wondering what has changed recently to put some brands in danger of going out of business.
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globalization might have an impact on some brands having a rough time. does anyone recall the issues PBJ was having with a vendor selling items at Japan retail when US retailers got wind and started kicking and screaming foul?
we may be looking a bit down the road since IHUK has history with a lot of brands their perspective and insight is a little different from us lay people.
what's really happening is we are moving more towards a utopian society and so clothes and all that don't matter anymore . . . .
Iron Heart Racing will be fun to watch grow from the ground up. Now to get Alex and Sam on bikes in the gear on a tour of the biker circuit. Sh!t sponsor a small team of weirdos and unique individuals like the skate companies used to do back in the day and let it do what it do.
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@neph93 Exactly, our market outside of Japan is growing, has done year on year since we started selling outside of Japan. That may not continue of course, but I fundamentally believe that there are enough consumers out there who want the stuff we make to keep us running a successful international business. It is the Japanese market that is suffering. I said in my initial comment that we are better protected than most (brands in our space) because of the size of our international market.
There is at least one brand in our space that effectively no longer has a Japanese market for their clothing.
So, whilst Iron Heart International is growing, IH Japan is not. Haraki and I have to work out ways of remedying that shortfall, if we don't and we can't keep the workshops busy then we too are in deep shit.
Iron Heart Ignition, Iron Heart Racing and Monme are all initiatives to fill the gaps….
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I’m not sure the marketing does say that it’s for younger Harley riders, unless I missed something. Maybe it was mentioned here but I don’t think it’s part of the marketing.
I was thinking the same. There is a considerable vintage (and vintage style) motorcycle scene and most all the guys I know are knowledgeable and can appreciate most brands and types of motorcycle. Most riders that I know don't discriminate and won't dismiss someone just because they ride "X" motorcycle. If someone is passionate about what they ride, there's a mutual respect there. I imagine that the same thinking is involved with the riders own personal style. If someone is passionate about their own personal style, there's a similar level of respect.
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As someone who probably fits into the young Iron Heart wearing motorcyclist demographic, the biggest thing for me would be the option for added protection. I'm thinking either pockets for D30 armour, or with armour already built in. That's part of the reason why I ride with a Belstaff, rather than sticking one of my Iron Heart jackets. I do ride in my IH jeans, but it would be reassuring to be able to include protection on the knees and hips. Most of my riding is urban, so I'm travelling at low speed and take the view that 21oz is at least going to offer some more protection than riding along in a pair of store bought jeans.
In terms of styling, Iron Heart already nail it, that's why I wear your stuff. But for a brand so built around motorcycling in its marketing, I've always thought the lack of protection is a bit of an oversight. To my mind, it sounds as though the IH Racing line could be a good way of addressing that gap.
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Not sure if you approach retailers or they come to you, but if you expand beyond Ken's in the US, you should look into the store Butterscotch in Long Beach. Fairly new store, but has an emphasis on riding/motorcycles. They carry brands like Eat Dust, Vanson, Nudie, etc.
