American Apparel, others try to profit from domestic production
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-american-apparel-made-in-usa-20140810-story.html#page=1
American Apparel employees are involved in cutting, sewing and packaging garments at the company's factory in L.A.
American Apparel, others try to profit from domestic production
By Shan Li, Tiffany Hsu, Andrea Chang
8.10.2014
A young woman named Mariona lounges on her knees and forearms. She wears a provocative expression and tight red American Apparel booty shorts.
The advertisement's headline: "Made in USA Sweatshop Free."
The ads sell a racy image, but just as crucial to the Los Angeles company's identity is the American aspect of its apparel. Now, as ousted CEO Dov Charney's campaign to regain his job grabs attention, a bigger question hangs over American Apparel Inc. and the entire garment industry: Can a company make its clothes in the U.S. and still make money?
Although American Apparel reaped a record $634 million in sales last year, the retailer hasn't turned an annual profit since 2009.