‘Made In America’ Retailer Closing Its Doors -Liquidation Underway

(KMDL-FM) What do the words "Made in America" mean to you? For a generation of us, I think we're called "Boomers", those words meant quality and value. For a lot of us, those two things, quality and value, were so important to us that we'd be willing to pay more for those products that were "Made in America". Apparently, not all of us are willing to keep our word in that regard.

READ MORE: Real American Heroes - The Mom & Pop Shops That Define Louisiana

A recent study found that 70% of Americans prefer to purchase products that have a Made in America label on them. That same study suggested that 83% of us would be willing to pay up to 20% more just to secure products with that label.

Another study found that only 70% of us would be willing to pay $10 more for an item that was "Made in America" but offered at a lower price from a foreign manufacturer.

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How Valuable are the Words "Made in America" To American Consumers?

But here in the "world of reasonable people," where actions and not lip service provide the real data apparenlty the words "Made in America" don't mean squat when it comes to saving a few bucks. I am sorry. It hurt for me to write that as much as it hurts for you to read that.

Here's another example of why consumers in this country appear to be "All hat and no cattle". Back in 2010, Mark Andol founded a business based on the principle that Americans would support American businesses and be willing to pay a little more to support American companies and American workers. That business, the Made in America Store, will be ending its time in business tomorrow, January 29, 2026.

READ MORE: Popular Mall Retailer Shutting Its Doors Nationwide

Now it is important to note that Mark Andol died unexpectedly in July. And perhaps that has more to do with the business closing than the prevailing attitudes about prices from American consumers. But let's face it, if 70 or 80% of consumers listed "buying American" as an important choice in where they shop and what they buy, the store should still be solvent. At least based on rudimentary math and supply and demand.

Another recent study of the shopping habits of American consumers found that only 39% of us actually consider where a product was made when we make a purchase. And to be honest, some of the labeling can be confusing since the product may have been assembled in the USA, but the parts and technology came from foreign shores.

How Important is the "Louisiana Seafood Label"?

On a local level, I am reminded of recent issues regarding Louisiana or Gulf-caught seafood. Even at a Louisiana Seafood Festival, there were vendors claiming to sell Louisiana shrimp, but they were selling the cheaper imports under a falsified label.

If we can't even support our own local culture and cuisine, it's a pretty safe bet that "country of origin" isn't nearly as important as "price at the checkout". Hey, you're not wrong for doing what you need to do to feed your family, but your choices could literally be taking the food off of another family's table.

I do understand that in tougher economic times, decisions about how, when, where, and on what money is spent become harder to make. All we can ask is that you consider the other dominoes that will fall because of your choices.

As Louisiana prepares to celebrate Mardi Gras, do yourself a favor: don't look at the "made in labels" on those throws you're clamoring for along the parade route. It's true, we are an enigma wrapped in mystery, and that is our conundrum. Perhaps, if you're in the market, you'd consider purchasing some of these items. Naturally, if the price fits your budget.