Shipping gifts this Christmas season? Here are the deadlines for USPS, US Mail. We recommend shipping gifts earlier than those recommended. You can’t go wrong shipping early. Take the pressure off and relax. Enjoy the Holidays!
Christmas Shipping Deadlines
Dragons and cranes and bamboo, oh my. While it sounds more like Halloween, it’s actually a Christmas trend. That was the current theme in kimono and yukata choices in November. Each month we provide a list of the Best Selling Kimono and Yukata. It’s a fun way to sit back and reflect on current kimono trends based purely on what our customers like and are buying at the moment.
While the trend is sometimes clear, such as a surge in short length kimono or Happi Coats for the warm summer months. Around Mother’s Day, floral kimonos are popular especially the pink cherry blossom yukata. In June, dragon themed kimono seem to be popular graduation gifts for men, while birds and soft flower designs round out graduation gifts for the ladies.
No matter what the season of gift giving occasion, Japanese kimono and yukata are always first on our list of gift ideas. Comfortable to wear, beautiful to look at, wardrobe versatility and elegant, yet distinctive. What more could you ask for? We fell in love with the Japanese kimono thirty years ago and decided to set up our online kimono shop so others could experience what we did. Chopa wanted to allow customers everywhere to see the beauty and history that is still as popular today as it was hundreds of years ago. There is a reason the kimono is the universal symbol of beauty in Japanese culture. Kimono Yukata stand alone when it comes to fashion forward.
In November, sales picked up steam as expected as the holidays and Christmas gift giving season approaches. It’s a tradition in our warehouse to decorate with some garland, lights and even a tree or two. We use artificial trees in our warehouse for fire safety. Plus, we dislike the idea of growing a tree just to cut it down for a few weeks of enjoyment. Please don’t label us Scrooge. Some of our staff use real trees at home, but as costs have risen so much in the past decade that more have turned to reusable, renewable trees. It’s a national trend.
It’s a real treat to walk into the warehouse and play Santa’s Elves. With festive lights and decorations surrounding our packaging and shipping stations, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Music is softly playing in the background and time flies by as we prepare, pack and ship your packages. Time has become important as we tick down to just less than three weeks to go before December 25th. We will be posting recommended cut off dates shortly to help you with your gift giving if you are shipping packages. Whether you order gifts online or ship them yourselves, we are getting closer to crunch time to get those presents to their destination on time.
As we get closer to the big day, we will switch most of our orders over to FedEx in lieu of USPS. USPS does a fantastic job throughout the year delivering cards, letter and packages. But we understand from local employees that retail packages take a back seat at this time of the year to their biggest and most heavily postage subsidized customer, Amazon. Some customers have asked us why Chopa doesn’t sell on Amazon and one of the reasons is they allow businesses that use slave labor to sell on their platform. We won’t get into all of the other quirks that the software giant imposes on sellers. We certainly miss out on additional sales by not being on Amazon. But we sleep well at night knowing we march to our own drummer and make decisions that we feel benefit our customers, rather than generate returns for stockholders.
Without further delay, here are the Top 5 Selling Kimono and Yukata for November:
We want to thank every customer for their support and business. As we wind down 2021, we wish everyone a Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year. This year was an interesting one and we truly look forward to 2022. We have been working on many ideas and hope some of these come to fruition in the new year. Keep an eye out for our Holiday Shipping Deadline posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in the coming days. See us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/KimonoYukataStore
These will be posted here on our blog as well.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Kimono Make Great Gifts
Chopa receives letters, emails and texts daily covering a wide range of topics. It might be a question on sizing or sometimes a customer asks about shipping times. The next correspondence might be a request to exchange a kimono or return a yukata. Our favorite messages are compliments for obvious reasons, but we also receive a complaint every once in a while. Usually, it is related to a carrier delay or worse yet, we shipped the wrong item. Yes, folks, we are human and no matter how hard we try, once in a while and we mean long while, we ship the wrong kimono or wrong size to someone. When we do, we remedy the situation as quickly as possible.
The fact is, good, reputable companies make good on their promises. They fix mistakes. They advertise honestly and treat customers the way we want to be treated. Those businesses thrive. They stay in business and grow within their community and customer base. They don’t take short cuts and strive to make all customers happy.
Unfortunately, there are companies that only carry about the bottom line. It is sad but true. One of things that sets Chopa apart is that we are employee-owned and operated. Every staff member you have interaction with owns a stake in the company. This is true whether in customer service, warehouse, marketing, administration or management. Employee-owned businesses statistically take better care of customers. Rather than take customers for granted, we value your business and think of you as family. We know without our customers, there wouldn’t be a business and without a business, we wouldn’t exist, live life, help provide for our families or help our communities.
We reflect on this because of yet, another email we received from a potential customer. This person questioned where we were located and if the kimono didn’t work out as expected, where would it need to be returned. A fair question all the way around. But it was when the reasons for asking, were explained, we realized another corrupt business in China was praying on customers in the USA.
The customer wrote the following: “I was burned by a retailer who shipped from a USA address, but required items to be returned to China at more than the cost of the item itself.”
It’s true. Many low-cost kimono dealers are actually based in China and other regional clothing producing nations. They produce low-cost robes because they offer subpar and substandard working conditions, unlivable wages and worse yet, some use forced slavery. Sometimes these companies ship from fulfillment centers in the USA, but if you need to return something, it must be shipped to their homeland.
International shipping is not cheap. These unscrupulous dealers know this and realize most people change their minds. Customers keep the robe because in essence, they are throwing good money after bad. We also hear stories from customers who did ship the item back, but never received a refund. Instead, they are given random reasons why no refund was provided. Reasons like “it arrived past the deadline”, “too small is not a valid reason for returns”, “no authorization was provided”, “robe was worn” even though it wasn’t, “shipment was opened”, etc. It is pretty difficult to try on a robe to see if it fits without opening the package.
There is an old adage that says, “You get what you pay for.” Is taking a gamble on receiving inferior products worth the entire loss of your purchase and then some? We know our customers prefer reasonable pricing on quality kimono and yukata with easy returns to a reputable dealer in the USA. We are proud to be one of the internets’ leading providers of Japanese Kimono and yukata for 27 years and counting. Our word is good and our service stands alone. Please think twice when shopping for a kimono. A dealer like us takes the guesswork out of online kimono shopping. This was one of our goals when the business developed.
Ordering a kimono from Chopa means you will receive quick processing of your order. Fast shipping. most orders ship within one business day and many ship the same day. We ship from the Panhandle of Florida so orders arrive in several business days. You have 10 days from the date of receiving your order to request a return authorization. We process refunds and exchanges within one day of receiving your package. Chopa offers a wide range of styles and sizes and you won’t receive a bill from US Customs or the carrier when your package is delivered. We have taken care of everything. The price you see online is the price you get.
Try ordering a robe from China or Japan and you might be surprised at the end result. When they say 7 days delivery it often means 21 or more. You may also be billed service charges for currency exchanges by your card issuer or bank. Customs, duties and customs brokerage charges may apply and you will need to pay those or customs can confiscate the package and liquidate it for damages. Need to return it? We have already explained just a few of the downfalls by ordering internationally. The bottom-line is don’t become a victim. There is a reason so many call Chopa, Your Kimono Source since 1994. Shop with confidence and no surprises. Now Get Your Kimono On!!
The Japanese culture has a long history of wearing kimono. The word “kimono” is actually a translation for “thing to wear”. Kimono are beautiful pieces of clothing originally worn by men in Japan. Following World War II they became more popular among women. Kimono originated as a form of armor to protect warriors from arrows, but are now seen as ceremonial garments for special occasions. There are many different styles of kimono characterized by their sleeve length, colors or other details such as hemlines. The most recognizable feature of the kimono is its wide sleeves. Kimono are typically made of cotton or silk with intricate patterns and distinctive colors.
Kimonos and Work Clothes
The kimono is sometimes referred to as the oldest work clothes. The kimono has been used as a work garment for centuries in countries around Asia. They allow workers to stay clean without getting dirty. It protects against dirt and sweat by keeping them on its surface, which can be easily shaken off or washed at the end of the day. What’s more, since kimonos were typically worn with pants underneath, they provide an extra layer of warmth during cooler seasons.
The Most Well-Known Kimono
The most well-known type of kimono is called the “Yukata”. Yukatas are casual versions which were traditionally used after bathing and before dressing in more formal clothes for celebrations at night. They provide a cover-up during the day while still being light enough to be worn indoors or outside when it’s cool. Today there is still great interest in this garment both within Japan and abroad.
Kimonos are popular because they look great and can be worn in a variety of settings. They are known for their elegance, traditional design, comfort, versatility and easiness to slip on. Wearers can put on a kimono without any help from another person. This is very convenient for the wearer. If you want to dress like a samurai or geisha without having to pay the expensive price tag of designer brands, then kimonos are perfect for you.
These Japanese robes are available in different colors and styles, so they can match any occasion. Some people wear them as an accessory to their outfit. Others wear them for more formal occasions like weddings, tea ceremonies, parties and festivals. They go easily with other items in your wardrobe. There are many different styles to choose from, each with their own meaning. A colorful kimono is often for celebrations or ceremonial purposes. More muted colors are typically worn during the day by women who work outside the home. A popular color found on kimonos is red which signifies happiness and good luck. The way one dresses themselves reflects their personality so it is important for people to know how they are seen by others.
Choosing a Kimono
When selecting a kimono, the first step is to consider the fabric you want your kimono made out of. Make this decision before you pick a color or pattern. Then, choose whether you’d prefer a short kimono or one that goes down past your knees for a more formal look. You’ll also need to decide if you want long or short sleeves. A kimono is traditionally worn closed with a sash, obi or belt. But did you know that they can be worn in a variety of ways? Contemporary fashion has created the style of wearing kimono or yukata open and loose or flowing. This makes them perfect for hot summer days when you want something light and cool to wear.
Kimonos can actually be worn as tops with pants or shorts. Another popular trend is to wear it over short shorts or leggings. They can also be used in place of a blouse layered under sweaters and jackets for Fall and Winter. It’s easy to dress up kimono tops with accessories like necklaces, statement earrings, scarves, belts and hats. Many retailers call their oversized sweaters or sheer gowns, kimonos. Those in the “know” realize it is simply marketing. Nothing makes a kimono statement better than an authentic Japanese Kimono.
The kimono has been around for centuries and is still a staple in Japan. They can be seen on the streets or worn as formal attire. The kimono is a garment that can be worn in many different ways. It’s no surprise that the history of this versatile piece of clothing is varied. Chopa – Your Kimono Source, offers many styles of kimonos to fit all occasions and budgets. We’re sure we’ll have something great for your needs. Browse our large selection today at www.chopa.com.
Kimono Fashion
The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that has been worn for centuries. Kimonos have been around since 1868 BC. Japan’s Emperor Tenmu decreed that nobles should wear them over their Chinese-style robes during certain ceremonial activities in order to distinguish themselves from commoners who were not allowed to wear silk.
Kimonos are made of a flowing fabric that can be worn as an outer or under garment. In Japan and Korea, they are considered formal wear. The culture of wearing kimonos is not limited to Asia; they’re also popular in Europe where they’re often used for ceremonial occasions like weddings. Modern Westerners might think the kimono is outdated but many cultures still find it to be a desirable piece of clothing that showcases their individuality and creativity. We have seen a steady surge of sales for years as the kimono and yukata have been gaining popularity around the world. Kimono translates from Japanese as “the thing to wear”.
Some people have fears about how to wear them, but they are simple to slip on and very similar to a bathrobe. Always wear the kimono wrapped around you with the left folded over the right. Wearing the right over the left is usually reserved for the deceased and funerals. Once you feel comfortable wearing one, you can step out with style or feel like a true samurai warrior. The fascinating styles of patterns and designs will allow you to look your best at any event. The reasons why kimono are so popular among men and women alike range from their rich history to how they can be worn by anyone who wants to look good and feel great.
The Japanese wear kimonos for a variety of occasions. They are often worn at formal events, such as weddings, tea ceremonies, graduations and religious festivals. The kimono is also traditionally worn by women when they give birth. Kimonos are both feminine and masculine garments with flowing sleeves that cover the hips and long length robes help you keep warm in cold weather. A wide variety of designs can be found on these traditional clothing pieces, from modern prints to classic patterns and some with embroidery. The sister robe to the kimono is the yukata which is lighter weight fabric and often worn at festivals and summertime outings. While yukata are made of cotton, kimono can be made from silk and cotton fabrics with some types of kimonos costing up to $10,000.
Each month we like to publish our list of the Five Top Selling or Most Popular Kimono and Yukata in our store. Our customers make the decision and we share their interests. So here we go….
The Top Five Selling Kimono Yukata for September 2021
The lighter weight yukata is always a popular choice during the Summer and Fall seasons especially in men’s robes and loungewear.
Check out our website at www.chopa.com to see the wide variety of styles, patterns, colors and sizes we offer. As a leading online provider of kimono and yukata since 1994, it’s easy to see why we are your Kimono Source. Great service, fast shipping and free shipping on orders of $75 or more anywhere in the USA.
Beautiful kimonos and yukata are a must have for the fall season. Check back next month to find out what top selling kimono is dominating the market in October! Thank you for reading and now go Get Your Kimono On!!
Cherry Blossom Yukata
It’s difficult to believe that August has come and gone. Labor Day has passed, schools are back in session, most tourists have gone back home and traffic in Florida is getting back to normal. This is the time of year when locals in the Panhandle of Florida appreciate living here the most. The weather is still warm, beaches are empty and the water is still enjoyable. This is when you will still find us wearing our short length kimono and yukata at the beach or the pool. For those new to the World of Japanese Kimonos, a Happi Coat is a short length kimono or yukata. They are lightweight, versatile and comfortable to wear. They make great cover ups at the beach or to wear after a day in the yard mowing and trimming shrubs and trees. Getting the work done, hopping into the shower and slipping on a Happi Coat to relax with a cold beverage is so satisfying.
While we move deeper into September we are working diligently preparing for Christmas and the shopping season. As with most retailers, the Holidays bring a lot of traffic to our website and with traffic comes lots of orders. Chopa works hard planning ahead to keep on top of the volume surge including inventory, packaging supplies, work schedules and working with carriers to see that packages are delivered on time. With the employment shortages hitting UPS, FedEx and USPS, carriers are experiencing delays. With their own increase in package volumes, it is inevitable that delays could become longer especially with winter weather. All three carriers are implementing Holiday Season surcharges beginning in early October and into 2022. With shipping costs increasing around the globe, domestic carrier surcharges and price increases, packaging supply hikes, raw commodity demand and labor wage surges, life is becoming more expensive each day. We are doing our best to maintain and absorb all of these cost increases but understand that raising some prices will be necessary soon.
While no business operates without profit, Chopa has always been fair with our pricing. We like to think it is the tortoise and hare race. We operate under the slow and steady method. Offer quality kimono and yukata robes at fair pricing and provide great service with fast and low cost shipping. Orders of $75 or more receive Free Shipping anywhere in the USA, while smaller orders pay a simple $6.95 shipping fee in the USA. This system has worked well for us for nearly 30 years and we plan on doing the same moving forward.
We suggest customers shop early for Holiday gifts. Nobody knows for sure what will transpire this year, but we continue to hear warnings about merchandise shortages and lengthy shipping delays being possible. On our end, we have been planning ahead and will continue to do so directly into the Holiday season. Customer satisfaction is so important to us. We want you to receive your packages and gifts on time and with time to spare. Let us know what we can do for you.
With that said, let’s go to the most popular kimono and yukata in August.
Top Selling robes were:
We thank all of our customers for their support during the year. Without you, we wouldn’t be here. We are grateful for the business and hope to be of service to you soon. Now Get Your Kimono On!!!
Blue Koi Yukata for Men and Women.
As an online retailer of Kimono and Yukata robes since 1994, we understand the challenges of online shopping. While we strive to have a easy to use, easy to find, and easy to shop website, we know nothing in life is perfect and this is why we make changes whenever possible to provide our customers with a better shopping experience.
Our top priority has always been customer safety and Chopa has never taken this lightly. We spend a large sum of money each year on security software, encryption, offsite services and more to keep customer information safe and secure at all times. We never rent, sell or loan customer information either. If you receive an email from us, it is a courtesy email based on a purchase you made on our website. In these periodic emails, we may alert you to a sale, special discount, or new product introduction. We always include an “unsubscribe” button in these emails and if you click the button, rest assured you are immediately removed from the database and you won’t hear from us again.
One service we introduced a few years ago was our Email Notification Shopping Service. Chopa offers over 100 different patterns and styles of Kimono, Yukata robes and short length Happi Coats, and while we try to maintain a full inventory at all times, it isn’t always possible. For instance we may have 20 Dragon Kimonos in stock at the moment and based on sales, additional inventory may currently be in production. Then along comes an order for 16 of these kimonos, leaving us with 4. If we normally sell 5 a week, you can see out easy it is to run out unexpectedly. Large orders are fairly common as business customers purchase yukata or kimonos as gifts for their sales team or their customers and for employee recognition.
Chopa has also been a Kimono source for theatrical productions, movie studios, model photoshoots, costume companies, restaurants, television shows and weddings. Many brides and grooms have been outfitted in our yukata or kimono, and many bridesmaids and groomsmen have also found our attire to be a special part of that memorable event. We see a large increase in summertime orders for weddings. Early summer also brings a surge in kimono sales for graduation gifts. Besides traditional holidays, birthdays and anniversaries that are common throughout the year, Halloween brings in a quick flurry as customers choose a kimono or yukata for their party costumes. Kimonos simply make great gifts for so many occasions.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Days round out a common theme for choosing kimono robes for gifts. Short-length Happi Coats are very popular for Valentine’s Day as well as the warm summer season as people want a shorter length robe for lounging at home or at the pool or beach. Seeing someone in one of our Happi Coats at the beach always brings a smile to our face.
We have provided some reasons why we may be out of stock in a particular size or style at any one time. If this happens to you, simply drop us an email or text and ask when a certain size or style will be back in stock. We can instantly check our inventory database and let you know an approximate time frame when new stock will be available. We can place you on our email notification list. When the item arrives, we send out one email letting you know that the kimono you want is available. There is no cost for this service and no obligation to follow through with a purchase. This email alert is a courtesy notice only. We do not add you to our email database and only send you one notice. There is no sales pitch, no hassle and absolutely no sales pressure. Consider it a quick note from a friend saying “Hey there, the Pink Cherry Blossom yukata in size medium is now in stock and available.” That’s it, plain and simple.
So the next time you are surfing our online Kimono Store at www.chopa.com and don’t see a size available in a pattern you like, or don’t see a specific kimono today that you saw a week earlier, go to the top of the web page you are on and hit the “Contact Us” button on the tool bar menu. Send us a text or complete the contact form and submit. We will check our database, reply with a time frame and ask if you want to be added to our free alert system. This takes the guesswork out and allows you time to enjoy life rather than checking back every few days. As always, we invite feedback, suggestions, compliments and even complaints. Thanks for reading and happy kimono shopping.
Kimono Shopping Made Easy.
Photo courtesy of Damir Spanic
At Chopa Zen Home, a.k.a. Your Kimono Source, we hold weekly meetings to discuss business, trends, customers, what is selling, problems, solutions and most importantly customer feedback. We have an open mailbox for anyone, whether a customer or not to reach out to ask a question, make a comment, provide us with feedback or even a referral if they are seeking something we don’t carry. We like to help people and will review and share our resources if we have an answer for you.
A longtime customer wrote us the other day to ask why our kimono and yukata were affordable. Well for one, we strive to keep our costs down. We don’t occupy a fancy multistory office building, nor do we spend money on luxury art work for the offices, but we do provide great working wages and benefits for our staff. Most of our staff are actually partners in the business. It has been a time-honored tradition for us and has served its purpose well over the years. If an employee has a stake in the business, it benefits them directly to have happy customers. Besides the economic benefit, we are also genuinely nice people and want customers to be satisfied with their purchase.
In addition, we are a direct importer our beautiful Japanese yukata and kimono. Among our manufacturing partners, most of our robes and loungewear are either made to order or they hold an ample number of robes we normally buy in inventory for us. Eliminating a middleman or broker allows us to purchase our robes at a lower cost and we can then pass along the savings. We ship from our main warehouse in the Panhandle of Florida and most orders ship within one business day of order receipt. We also ship 6 days a week within carrier operating schedules.
Orders of $75 or more ship free within the USA. Orders less than $75.00 pay a small fee of $6.95. We have had customers ask why we don’t offer free shipping on all orders and the reason is that we have to maintain a threshold to cover our basic costs. Shipping has become more expensive than ever. Unlike Amazon, we don’t charge $119 a year to become a member for free shipping. After all, is anything truly free? Depending on the carrier, you have accessory charges like tracking fees, insurance costs, signature required charges on high value orders, residential delivery fees, fuel surcharges and more. A few years ago, the major carriers like FedEx and UPS changed their shipping charges from size tiers to actually measuring each and every package and using a formula to determine the “dimensional” weight. This way if a customer is shipping a large box full of feathers that weighs 4 pounds, they will pay as much as a customer shipping a small heavy box that weighs perhaps 20lbs. These are theoretical examples only and do not reflect the actual formula, but it is expressed to give you a better understanding of the new era of shipping. After a period, these carrier decisions influenced USPS to do the same. Some have called it price fixing or a monopoly, but we avoid getting into those discussions.
On top of normal surcharges, fees and extra charges, carriers have also charged additional fees during the Holiday periods. This year, USPS has tagged along and is attempting to initiate Holiday Period Peak Season surcharges. The increased costs on top of their already higher prices would range from 25 cents to as much as $5.00 per package. One would think that if you are handling such a large volume of packages, your costs would be reduced since your trucks can be fully stuffed on the same route, but USPS says otherwise. The irony of this tag-along practice, is that they want the period to begin October 18th and run through December 27th. Charging for the holiday packages in October is the equivalent of seeing Christmas goods for sale in stores in September. A bit early if you ask us.
As most people know, USPS has been losing money for years. Even with their multiple price increases they are still losing money. We don’t want to get into the politics of their business structure or why they charge so little for handling Amazon packages, no matter the size, because it isn’t our style, but charging for holiday deliveries in October?
Back to our original question on why we sell our kimono and yukata so affordable. In summary, we are a direct importer; we buy in volume, when possible, to take advantage of the economies of scale in shipping and we operate out of modest warehouses and offices.
Most of what we do is done in house. We don’t farm out advertising, we don’t employ sales people and we don’t travel and attend trade shows to sell our kimono. We operate online and want to tend to our customers as best and as quickly as possible. Chopa had a goal to take the guesswork out of buying a kimono online and we believe we achieved that goal. We don’t call it a simple business, but a great functioning business with a customer service approach. We know what works and when we try something that doesn’t work, we change course, and always stick with our core principles. Customer Service is very important to us. Why not become a happy customer of ours? Kimono and yukata are the ultimate loungewear with style, comfort, distinction and Japanese symbolism. Join the other 33,000+ that have called Chopa their Kimono Source.
Photo courtesy of Vinicius Wiesehofer.
A short history about the Kimono and Yukata robe.
The Japanese Kimono is widely recognized throughout the world. The history, symbolism and true beauty of these fine robe’s dates back centuries. The word Kimono translates as the “thing to wear” or “thing that is worn.” Today the Kimono is considered the national dress or national costume in Japan and is still a major part of the culture.
Some wear Kimonos daily while others wear them for special occasions, ceremonies, festivals or family gatherings. The sister robe to the Kimono is the Yukata which is typically a lighter weight fabric and worn during warmer summer months. In the West, the yukata is a favorite loungewear all year long.
One of the features that make this unique clothing so popular is the ease of putting it on as well as the genuine comfort. Spas and resorts are known to offer guests robes to wear and the kimono or yukata fits the same purpose while lounging at home. The kimono is a wraparound garment meaning that it wraps around your body, the left side folds over the right side and is held closed at the waist with a belt, sash or obi.
Kimono are produced in various fabrics with the most common being cotton, silk, rayon and polyester. Cotton is the most popular today, since it is chemically organic and contains no chemical compounds. Cotton is also easy to care for and usually machine washable. Cotton kimonos are normally made with a heavier fabric and yukatas with a lighter weight material.
The colors of kimono and yukata cover the rainbow. From blues, greens, reds, yellows, pinks, purples, oranges, whites and even black, shopping the vast never-ending styles are a feast for your eyes. The patterns range from intricate, ancient, historical, simple and modernistic. The true relevance is in the symbolism.
Symbolism in Japan dates back as far as history allows it. Many of the patterns represent a story, proverb, poetry or event. You will often find flowers, scenery, dragons, trees, waves, koi fish, water and more. Basically, anything found in nature is recreated in a kimono pattern. The natural beauty and meanings are just another example of why so many people love to wear kimono.
Kimono and yukata have evolved over the years. While formal kimono is still worn on special occasions, the traditional kimono is worn anytime. Sleeve lengths are usually a bit shorter and are now offered in many different sizes as the Western demand increases. Since many people in the West are larger than their far East counterparts, the strong demand necessitates a larger array of size offerings.
At Chopa Zen Home, “your Kimono Source”, sizes range from small to 2XL and even 2XL/wide which allows for a wider and roomier fit. Chopa was one of the first to offer large sizing on the web. In addition to plus size kimonos, they also offer short length kimono called Happi Coats. Established in 1994, Chopa continues to be a great source for Japanese kimono and Yukata. Operated and based in the USA, Chopa is a direct importer of quality robes and offers fast shipping in the USA. Orders of $75.00 or more receive free shipping, including Alaska and Hawaii. Orders under $75.00 pay just $6.95.
The benefit of shopping with a US provider, beyond quick shipping is ease of returns, no duties, taxes or import charges and easy access to electronic customer service. In business since 1994, Chopa is a name that can be trusted. This is easy to see as their family of 33,000 happy customers and counting grows each day. Many customers are repeat shoppers and referrals are common. Chopa ships from the Panhandle region of Florida. Most orders ship within one business day with many shipping the same day. They offer a wide selection of over 100 Kimono and Yukata for men, women and kids. Shop online for your next kimono or yukata and see why so many others consider Chopa Zen Home their Kimono Source.
Photo courtesy of Victoriano Izquierdo.
Greetings Kimono Fans.
Another month has passed and that means it is time for the Best Selling Kimono and Yukata for last month. This was a busy month and shoppers took advantage of a surprise discount we offered to existing customers during the middle of the month. Customers have the chance at check out to join our newsletter email list where we randomly send out updates, news or nice discounts on our entire line of Japanese Kimono and Yukata. Coupons are always popular and our “kimono family” usually takes advantage of the bargains.
Covid cases are on the rise in Japan and we have been in regular, direct contact with our manufacturing partners. Some divisions are working from home while others have a shortened workweek. Much of Tokyo was closed the past week due to the Olympic Games. Closures and work from home mandates may be helping calm the spread of Covid. Even with ongoing challenges, Chopa is diligently working with providers to assure we have ample stock of these comfortable robes. While the manufacturing process faces obstacles, we are also finding that many fabrics are scarce or running out. The dying process can take months for some fabric due to the large number of colors used or intricate designs, and with mandated closures, obtaining fabric has probably been the biggest hurdle we face.
We placed our largest Fall order a bit early this year to allow more time for production and transit time since many carriers are also facing delays and operating over capacity. International shipping can be tricky and if it wasn’t for our great long term relationships and experience we could face major shortages. It is always better to be safe than sorry and our staff works hard to maintain adequate inventories as best as we can. As we wrote in an earlier blog several weeks ago, many retailers are expecting shortages and limited supplies of goods for the Christmas Holiday season. This is something we definitely want to avoid. Shortages as you may have seen in stores isn’t good for anyone. The retailers lose sales without having merchandise and customers are left holding an empty bag or paying a substantially higher price because quantities are so low.
Nearly everyone we know has spoken about price increases on most things we buy each day. Whether it is lunch at the neighborhood deli, a burger at McDonalds, groceries, tires, vehicles, clothing, housing, etc, it seems everything is getting more expensive. Chopa is pleased that we have not raised our prices for some time and we are doing everything we can to hold costs and prices where they are, but in reality, there may be a time in the near future that we have to adjust pricing upwards. We have experienced cost increases for our products, especially shipping, but so far we have bitten the bullet and maintained our prices.
We are not one to panic, and even though it is August, we do suggest customers review their holiday shopping needs, and plan accordingly. Whether shopping for a kimono or yukata from our online store or buying that perfect sweater for your family member, make your list and plan on shopping early this year. We believe you will be happy that you did.
So let’s take a look at the most popular kimono and yukata for July….
Ironically, the Lily Garden yukata rose to the number three best selling yukata. This robe was marked down as we are discontinuing the style. While it has been a performer over the years as far as sales go, the popularity has dwindled a bit as more customers have selected its sister yukata, the Peony and Princess yukata. The background patterns are nearly identical but feature Geishas across the print. It is fairly rare that we decide to discontinue a pattern, but we have been evaluating our selection lately because we have new patterns arriving early next year. On one hand, we need to make a little room and on the other hand, sometimes it is time to say good bye to an old friend. The sale was popular as we are down to just a few size small at this publishing date. In most other cases we discontinue a pattern because the manufacturer has discontinued or retired a fabric.
It is hard to believe but August is upon us and we want to wish everyone a great balance of Summer. In many states school starts back later this month and we know you want to get those last days at the beach or pool under your belt. We know many people still have vacations planned and will head out in a car or airplane soon. Have fun and most of all stay safe. Thank you for reading our Blog, stop by again.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
