small business
American craftsmanship lives at Allen Edmonds
December 29, 2011: 5:00 AM ETFORTUNE -- Allen Edmonds has been making high-end men's dress shoes since 1922. Every President from Reagan to Obama has worn the brand. Meanwhile, Allen Edmonds' popularity continues: Sales this year will rise 25%, to $100 million, says the Port Washington, Wis., company. A renewed interest in American classics (think Mad Men) has boosted demand. -- Anne VanderMey
By the numbers
212: The number of steps it typically takes to make a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes. The process takes three days. A pair of the company's wingtips costs $295 to $550.
78: Number of shoe manufacturers in the U.S., including Alden, another high-end men's brand, and New Balance, a maker of athletic shoes.
130: The number of employees Allen Edmonds has hired since early 2010, bringing the total to about 750. The company will sell 500,000 pairs this year, in retailers like Nordstrom (JWN).
Sources: Allen Edmonds; American Apparel & Footwear Association
This article is from the December 26, 2011 issue of Fortune.
-
Blue Bottle: The best coffee you may ever drink
You'll have to wait a little longer for a cup of James Freeman's caffeine from Olympus, but it's so worth it.
By Michael V. Copeland, contributor
FORTUNE -- As it does every day, a line trails out of the door at Blue Bottle Coffee Co. in Mint Plaza, a formerly grubby intersection of small streets and walkways in the center of San Francisco. Architects in chunky plastic-framed glasses, bike messengers in plaid MORE
Sep 23, 2011 5:00 AM ET -
Taking on the big boys
Industry giants, beware! These smaller rival - an online clothing retailer, a maker of green cleaning products, and a business software maven - are on the rise.
By Jessica Shambora, writer-reporter
Bonobos vs. J. Crew
The challenge: Beat preppy retailer J. Crew (JCG) at its own game by selling better-fitting men's pants and blazers online.
What they did: Bonobos founder and CEO Andy Dunn and co-founder Brian Spaly were MBA students at Stanford when MORE
Nov 8, 2010 3:00 AM ET -
David vs. Goliath: 3 little companies that took on the big boys
Dolls, guitars, and chips: See how these three small companies got an edge on their giant competitors.
By Jessica Shambora, reporter
Kahn Lucas vs. American Girl
The challenge: More than 18 million American Girl dolls have been sold since being introduced in 1986. Is there room for another "dress like your doll" company?
What they did: Kahn Lucas, a 121-year-old girls' apparel company in Lancaster, Pa., last year launched a new line MORE
Oct 11, 2010 3:00 AM ETPosted in: American Girl, David vs. Goliath, dolls, Frito-Lay, Guitar Center, guitars, Kahn Lucas, Popchips, Rudy's Music, small business, snacks
