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
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 Holidays are coming, the Holidays are coming….don’t wait until the Holidays are here. Christmas is just 35 days away. Next week is Thanksgiving and that tends to be the day people really start thinking about gifts to buy, Holiday parties, gatherings and more. If you plan to ship gifts to someone, it is better to be early than late. Carriers see huge surges in package volume at this time of year. Combine that with labor shortages, more traffic on the roads and the inevitable winter weather and deliveries can become dicey.
If you are looking for something unique for a loved one, family member or friend, look no further. Here are our best suggestions.
KIMONO and YUKATA
Being an online dealer of Japanese robes for 27 years might make us a bit biased, but we know from personal experience the joy of seeing someone open a package and find a Japanese Kimono. The style, patterns and symbolism intrigue the recipient. After putting on the robe, there is look of grandeur, a sense of Japanese culture and the comfort of the 100% cotton fabric.
Kimono and Yukata are our favorite loungewear. Slip one on after a day at work or after a shower and discover what makes people smile. Besides lounging at home, kimono are suitable for special events, parties and ceremonies. Wear one for Halloween and enjoy at home the rest of the year.
HAPPI COATS
Happi Coats are short length kimono and very popular. Depending on your height, these short robes fall just above or below the knees. These robes are perfect for those who want to be relaxed but covered. If you’re not a fan of long robes and don’t like wearing something heavy and bulky, these are for you. Kimono are breathable, super comfortable and popular because they combine fashion trends with tradition.
TABI SOCKS
Tabi socks are also called split-toe socks because the big toe is separated from the rest of the toes. Tabi are great to wear with your Kimono or Yukata, especially when lounging at home. They are breathable and keep your toes comfortable, dry and warm. These kimono socks come in a variety of colors and prints and can also be worn with other outfits.
MALA BEADS
Do you know someone that meditates or wants to meditate? If so, a mala bead necklace is the gift choice for you. Dating back thousands of years in the Buddhist tradition, these beaded necklaces and bracelets can be used for counting mantras and prayers or worn as meaningful jewelry. Mala are available in many colors and related symbolic and spiritual healing meanings. Beads are made of precious and semi-precious stones, gems, minerals, seeds, woods and metals. A specific color and bead can be chosen based on the persons needs or wants. Chopa offers a free mala bag with every necklace or bracelet purchased to safely store and protect your beads.
There you have it. Our Holiday Gift Guide in condensed form. To see our entire collection of quality Japanese Kimono, Yukata, Happi Coats and mala meditation beads, visit our online store at www.chopa.com. While you are there, check out our sale on Nature Inspired Jewelry. These beautiful necklaces, pendants and earrings are 25% off for a limited time, just in time for Holiday Gift giving. Make someone happy and put a little extra cash in your pocket for yourself.
Everyone at Chopa wishes you and yours Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. While 2021 is almost over, let’s celebrate what we accomplished and look forward to a new year. Reach for the stars. Now Get Your Kimono On!
Happi Coats Make you Happy!
Are you buying a Kimono produced by Slave Labor?
If you purchase a kimono or yukata from Chopa, you can be assured that no slave labor was used in producing these fine robes. We only offer robes produced in Japan without the use of forced or slave labor.
If you are buying a kimono elsewhere, chances favor that you are, if it was made in China. Forced slavery in China has been a hot topic for decades as the world looks closer at how some things are produced for such low costs. One of the reasons is low-cost labor. Ask any manufacturing manager or factory owner what one of their most important factors are in determining price, and labor is inevitably among the top answers.
China has a long foothold on producing low cost goods and labor is a predominate factor. Days are long, the standard workweek is six days and benefits for many are nonexistent. In some factories, employees also live there. Some consider it part of their pay; others call it forced imprisonment. Some factories have block walls around the perimeter with razor wire fences and watch towers that resemble prisons.
Jonathan Bass, CEO of PTM Images told Gordon Chang, Author of The Coming Collapse of China that “We all need to decide our moral responsibilities as Americans and what we stand for. We do not stand for slave labor. We in fact fought a war on our own soil to end it.” Mr. Bass’ insights are a startling reminder we shouldn’t take for granted and the message should never be forgotten.
We often see kimonos for sale on Amazon, Etsy and similar sites selling for $20.00 to $30.00. They are often deceptively advertised as Japanese kimono, but we immediately know from the price, that these are not made in Japan. Japan is not a communist country and their leadership does not condone slavery. In China, the communist government denies any knowledge or acceptance of slavery but there are far too many documented cases and facts that disprove their claim.
Forced labor doesn’t begin inside the walls of a factory, but rather in the fields of cotton. China is the largest cotton producer in the world, with 84% of its cotton coming from the Xinjiang region. Chinese officials force hundreds of thousands of Uighur Muslims into cotton harvesting.
Cotton and yarn produced in Xinjiang is also exported to other garment-producing countries like Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. All three are also low-cost producing countries with subpar working conditions and little accountability for employee rights. According to Anti-Slavery International, one fifth of all cotton production in China is presumed to be linked to forced labor. Persecuted Muslim Uighurs in China are forced to supply the world’s fashion companies in the fields and in the factories.
In contrast, The United States has been a major supplier of raw cotton to Japan for more than a century assuring that the cotton kimono you buy from Japan is made without forced labor.
In 2016, the Global Slavery watchdog group estimated that on any given day in China, there were over 3.8 million people living in conditions of modern slavery. Forced child labor cases were detected in a garment factory in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, where underage workers were forced to work overtime and beaten if they refused. They also had their passports and mobile phones confiscated if they attempted to run away. Huge numbers from within this minority group, who are from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the north-west part of the country, have allegedly been locked up and hired out by Communist party officials to greedy factory bosses. A leaked Beijing document revealed the scale of its detention camps, with officials admitting that up to eight million people had gone through “training” at state “gulags”. Global Slavery said “This is the largest mass detention of an ethnic and religious identity since World War 2.”
A coalition of more than 180 human rights groups believe that “virtually the entire global apparel industry is tainted by forced Uighur and Turkic Muslim labor. You could inadvertently be putting on a product that was made off the backs of forced labor of Uighurs.”
In February 2016, President Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. This Act removed the “consumptive demand” exemption which allowed importation of goods produced with forced labor if they were not made “in such quantities in the United States as to meet the consumptive demands of the United States”. This effectively gutted the forced-labor prohibition. Unfortunately, his administration did not enforce the law against many large corporations, like Nike. Chang proposed the question to CPB, Customs and Border Protection, “How can Nike shoes made in a factory surrounded by walls, barbed-wire and watch towers, and where the workers, many from a racial minority, are not allowed to leave, not be made with forced labor?
The audits of Chinese suppliers are nearly always suspect. It is said that buyers of goods, when asking for prices of China-made products, are quoted two prices; one for goods with inspections and the other for goods without. The spread between the two prices approximates the cost of bribes for inspectors.
While U.S. law states that products made with forced labor can be seized, those made in horrible conditions in China and elsewhere are routinely cleared through Customs and end up on the shelves of American retailers.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kenneth Cuccinelli, who oversees the border agency, called “Made in China” a “warning label.” The cheap cotton goods you may be buying for family and friends during this season of giving, if coming from China, may have been made by slave labor in some of the most egregious human rights violations existing today in the modern world.”
The next time you seek to purchase a kimono, check the source carefully. Don’t be fooled by descriptions simply because the dealer says Japanese style, Japanese Robe or Japanese Kimono. Look for where it was made. If they don’t tell you clearly and plainly, ask. One of the biggest frauds we see on Amazon is that of companies claiming they are made in China but for export to Japan using Japanese standards. If you don’t shop carefully, they may have a bridge to sell you as well.
It may not seem like an issue but if you are against forced labor and slavery, don’t purchase a China-made Kimono. There is a reason we offer true, proven, quality made kimono and yukata from Japan. We don’t want to participate in the slave trade and won’t. Nor should you.
Yukata From Japan – No Forced Labor
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.
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.
We received a question from a customer asking why kimono and yukata are offered at different prices. There are many reasons why a Japanese robe is priced the way it is. The most basic reason is that a retailer can pick and choose whatever price they want. As an example, let’s look at two stores. The ABC store sells a widget for $10.00 while the XYZ store offers the same product for $15.00. It’s a choice each store owner makes and there are a variety of reasons for this.
The ABC Store may buy larger quantities from the manufacturer and receive a lower cost or discount for the volume purchase. They may have lower shipping costs and maybe lower overhead. It could simply be that the ABC store feels they are making a reasonable profit at $10.00. Every retailer has their own reasons why they charge what they do. The XYZ store may pay more for rent and pay more for labor and sales staff.
Chopa Zen Home has been a leading online retailer of Kimono and Yukata robes since 1994. Our number one goal when we started was and still is to offer quality robes at reasonable prices. We don’t attempt to be the low-price leader, nor do we want to be the most expensive. Being the most expensive retailer doesn’t necessarily mean you have the highest quality and best product. Being in business since 1994 has provided us with a deep level of understanding, experience and knowledge about the kimono market in the USA.
We purchase our kimono clothing from experienced, reputable, high-quality providers. We have longstanding agreements and constantly strive to accommodate each other, maintain a successful partnership and a great working relationship. This philosophy has long endured and is a reason why we are still a successful provider of beautiful kimono robes today. We have seen many firms come and go over the last three decades, but we stick with and maintain the principals we started with. One question we ask ourselves regularly is, would we purchase a specific kimono at the price we offer it? The answer is yes, or we decide on a lower price or discontinue the item. There needs to be a reasonable profit or no retailer stays in business. Businesses have overhead including the cost of goods, advertising, utilities, rent, labor, taxes, insurance, duties, shipping and an array of other costs.
Pricing has a lot to do with the fabric. Obviously a nicer, richer and heavier fabric costs more to produce a robe than a lesser quality material. This is how our producers determine their costs, profit and asking prices. A retailer does the same. Sometimes we have two yukata that appear similar and are made with the same fabric but one costs $10.00 more than the other. The reason for this is usually tied to the cost of the fabric and mainly the printing and dyeing of the material. Solid colors are made by dying fabrics. Designs are made by printing on a dyed fabric. The more detailed the print, the costlier the end product is because there are more steps in printing, more time involved, more labor more dye or inks and this longer process adds up. A robe with one or two colors, not withstanding the underlying fabric will cost less to produce than one with 9 or 10 colors.
Sizing also plays a vital factor in determination of price. A size small uses one amount of fabric while an large uses more. Manufacturers will usually blend the cost between the first few sizes because a larger size may leave less cutting or material waste while the smaller may have more. Patterns can have an effect on the cost based on the cutting patterns. Some patterns must be cut a specific way for sewing, so the pattern isn’t lost or out of place. Wider sizes obviously cost more because more fabric is needed. Special collars, sleeves and other variables all play a part in pricing.
We recently shopped around to comparison shop and were surprised to see major price differences. A specific kimono was available at one online store for $69.00 while the same robe was offered at another for $129.00. Others listed the same robe at $89.00 and $99.00. This proves there are anomalies in the market place but seeing this wide of a variance proves that some retailers are simply overpricing. No matter what the shipping costs, labor and overhead, if one retailer can justify selling the robe for $69.00 and making a fair profit to stay in business, how can the one asking $129.00 justify that price?
Chopa stands behind its history, longevity, customer service and fair pricing. We have many repeat customers and receive many compliments and thank you letters throughout the year. This is not only gratifying to us, but it proves to us that we are Your Kimono Source for styles, variety, sizing and price. We offer easy returns if you are not satisfied with your purchase and are based and operated in the USA. We have made kimono shopping easy by taking the guesswork out of online shopping. When looking for a kimono, yukata or short length kimono or Happi Coat, Shop with Confidence, shop with Chopa Zen Home.
Photo courtesy of Beth MacDonald
