on-board

Battle Of The Insulators: Down vs. Synthetic

 

Every day we’re posed with choices – paper or plastic, cornflakes or porridge, and how to hang the toilet paper (over or under?).

With winter arriving in full force, the big concern is staying warm. Most of us won’t be climbing Mt. Everest, but we won’t be in hibernation either. There will be daily commutes to contend with, snowmen to build and everything else required of you in the great outdoors. So when it comes to insulation, should you choose down or synthetic? Read our guide to find the right one for you...

 

Go natural
Down is considered nature’s best insulator. It’s the world’s warmest material for its weight. Credit its unique feathers. (Pardon if I get scientific for a minute, but you develop an appreciation for this when you spend as much time as I have with our fab technical designers.) Each feather has microscopic layers of plumes and at the end of each one is a pointed little bulb. One feather wouldn’t do much, but fill a coat with them and those tiny clusters hold each feather up instead of it falling flat. The better the loft (which really refers to the amount of fluffiness), the more air is trapped inside the coat and less cold that can sneak in.

But down is not without a few drawbacks. One of the biggest being Economics 101: law of supply and demand. With a dwindling population of our feathered friends, there is only so much that exists. Which is why many places have stopped using real down in their products. (We’re not ones to take the easy road, so we still do!)

A quick low down on down:

Super synthetics
When we were kids, our budget-conscious parents’ alternative to down was piling on layers and layers until we closely resembled the Michelin® man. But thanks to technology, man-made fibres can now closely emulate some of the best characteristics of down – and at a lower price tag. So what is synthetic insulation made of? (Technical moment ahead.) It’s essentially polyester threading that is moulded into long single threads or short staples to mimic lofty down clusters. Whereas down once reigned superior to all synthetics, today’s lighter, warmer and more compressible versions, like PrimaLoft®, are slowly closing the gap.

PrimaLoft, which was developed for the US Army in the 80s, is widely regarded as one of the best performing synthetic insulations on the market. Which is why we use it in several of our jackets. This ultra-fine microfibre blend has down-like softness, is lightweight and adds little bulk. But it also has one major advantage over down – its insulating ability even when wet.

A quick guide to synthetic insulation:

Both have their place in a winter wardrobe. So it really comes down to personal preference. Best way to settle the debate? Buy one of each. There’s no such thing as too many stylish ways to stay warm this winter!

Just the two of us: cosy coats for him & her!

When the cold, rainy weather rumbles in, getting out and about is usually the last thing on anyone's mind (who would trade a cosy cuddle on the sofa for a wintry walk?) But the correct coat can make all the difference - wrap up warm and a trudge through the sludge can soon turn into a romantic stroll for two! We've picked our favourite coats & jackets for 'him & her' to snuggle into this season...

 

Men's Down Jacket              Women's Down Jacket

Winter time = lots of layers. And the last thing you want when already trussed up against the cold is to pile on even more weight!  That's why we use a higher fill power in our Down outerwear, (which provides better insulation) to pack on the warmth, not the weight. The result? Cold-weather protection with a flattering, bulk-free fit.

 

Women's Polartec® Fleece        Men's Polartec® Fleece

A softer winter staple is the Polartec® Aircore® 200 fleece - created exclusively for Lands' End by the inventors of fleece. This innovative fabric uses unique yarns in an ingenious knit that traps more air, producing more warmth, more softness - and more comfort for you both.

 

   Men's Marinac Jacket        Women's Marinac Jacket

It's no softy! Unexpected showers are no match for our perennially popular Polartec® Windbloc® Marinac. Windproof and water repellent, the lofty fibres trap air so it has plenty of warming power too. Perfect to throw on for a quick weekend walk in co-ordinating colours for couples who love to match!

 

Women's Wool Pea Coat            Men's Wool Peat Coat

For an altogether smarter affair, our refined women's and men's Wool Pea Coats are the best-dressed option. A luscious blend of rich wool and sumptuous cashmere, our women's version is a traditional double-breasted style with princess seams to flatter your figure. For him, the Wool Pea Coat provides a safe harbour in rough weather, thanks to the water-repellent finish and lightweight insulation. Authentic details include a double-breasted front, an oversized collar with removable throat latch and handwarmer pockets. Cosy and oh so chic too!

Buyers' Top Picks!

Ever wondered which styles our fashion experts love, love, love? We've asked our team of buyers to choose their favourite items this season and tell us what sends them to the top of their wish list...

 

 

     Women’s Print Calf Hair Skinny Belt

 “The perfect accessory for your autumn wardrobe. A mix of stylish print and soft leather calf hair, this statement piece is great for adding colour and fun to any outfit.” Alison Sheath, Accessories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men’s Slim Fit Easy Iron Straight Collar Shirt

“We love the new collection of Formal Shirts from our 'Made To Work' range, especially the new Slim fit style; perfect for any modern working man. And best of all, the price is amazing…..£29.95 each or 4 For £100. Great value for money!” Matt Deadman, Menswear

 

 

 

 

 

Women’s Pleated Scoop Neck Top

“Stop the press! Our front cover style is a real favourite at the moment within the office – it’s like spot the top here at Lands’ End HQ! The choice of patterns is great; so whether you're dotty about dots or think florals are fabulous, there's something to suit everyone.” Emma Manson, Womenswear

 

 

 

 

 

           Men’s Reversible Squall Jacket

“You can't get better than two coats in one! On one side a sleek nylon shell features a water-resistant finish, whilst the other side is a waterproof, windproof, breathable Squall shell - a fantastic multipurpose jacket that will keep you ahead of the weather!” Sandeep Mahil, Outerwear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Boys’ Graphic Tee

“My favourite tee in our range is our boys' glow-in-the-dark moon graphic tee!  It’s amazing! If I was a little boy it would be just what I wanted to wear!” Ruth Skinner, Kidswear

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Kids’ Chukka Boots

“I luuurve the kids' cool chukka boots!! If only I could have fluro laces for my shoes too!!” Gareth Jolley, Kidswear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Girls’ Owl Skort

"Twittwooooo! Perfect for every little girls' wardrobe with its beautiful embroidered owls. It’s one of our famous skorts too with built in jersey shorts – perfect for cartwheeling!! Ruth Skinner, Kidswear

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Girls’ Duet Dress

"Is it a top? Is it a skirt? Nope, it’s our lovely duet dress that does both jobs in one. Saves having to co-ordinate in the mornings - a ready-made outfit straight out of the wardrobe!" Ruth Skinner, Kidswear

Getting to Know You - Debbie Goddard

This week our employee profile is about Debbie Goddard, the manager of our Outlet Store here in Oakham. Always ready with a friendly greeting for our customers, we thought we'd find out a bit more about the woman behind the smile...

How long have you worked at Lands’ End, and what do you enjoy most about working in the store?

 I have been at Land’s End for 12 years now, and I love merchandising the store, but mostly I enjoy meeting and helping our lovely customers! 

... so, what types of service can customers expect from our Outlet Store?

 Well, we'll do pretty much anything we can to ensure a wonderful shopping experience including saving items for customers, calling them to let them know about certain promotions, tracking down out of stock items, deliver, hem, measure and last but not least give good, honest advice!

 Do you have many customers from further afield who visit the store?

 Absolutely! We have many customers who from all over the country who call in when they are near; we even have a regular lady from Australia who visits us every time she is in the UK!

 What is your favourite item of Lands' End clothing that you own?

I have two – a black cashmere sweater that I got about 7 years ago which is still going strong and a lovely warm down coat.

What has been your greatest achievement whilst at Lands’ End?

 Being voted Best Manager in the Best Company Survey twice in a row.

 

 Getting to know Debbie better ……

 Before I worked at Lands’ End I ….?

Stayed at home to look after my children, one of whom is now 19, and the other one is 13.

 When I’m not at work I’m most likely to be …..?

Spending time with my family either shopping, at the cinema or enjoying a picnic somewhere nice with a very good bottle of red wine.

 Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I lived on the Champs Elysees and once shared a steak with a prince (...and that's as much as she'll say on the subject!)

What makes you smile?

My daughter.

 … and frown?

Litter!

What would your last meal be?

Lobster Thermidor.

Thank you for your time Debbie – and keep up the good work!

The Carry-on Luggage Challenge

I can remember the days when packing to go on holiday involved squashing the entire contents of my summer wardrobe into a variety of suitcases. And whilst I got to spend the week showcasing my fashion flair in a different outfit each night, the majority of my holiday attire came home completely unworn (but still needing to be washed after mingling with the other sandy garments in my suitcase).

Fast-forward 15 years and the increasingly strict airline baggage restrictions have meant that my holiday packing now has to be approached with military precision. The ultimate aim: to pack everything I need for a long weekend (or even a week) into a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead locker, so the airlines don’t get any more of my money than is absolutely necessary. I call it the ‘Carry-on luggage challenge’. Sounds impossible? Of course not…just follow these simple rules:

1. Pick one base colour. Neutral is best (tan, black or navy are great options), but if you have a particular colour that comprises a lot of your wardrobe, go with that.

2. Keep the coordinates simple. If you have navy trousers and a navy skirt, you can mix in tops in a few other colours; try white, red, turquoise or hot pink. Stripes or prints add interest and will jazz up an outfit too.

3. Pack items that can double-up. A swim cover-up can work as a dress, a tunic over some trousers or even a nightdress. Roll them up so they can be squashed into every available space; non-crease fabrics are a godsend here!

4. Think double-duty with shoes, too. Which means don’t pack a pair that will only go with a specific outfit…a pair of beige flats are probably best as you can team them with everything in your suitcase.

5. Accessories take up almost no space at all. Scarves, jewellery, belts and hats can be tucked into your bag and will help you get even more mileage out of your basic pieces.

6. Wear the heaviest (or bulkiest) stuff on the plane. If you think you’ll need a cardigan or jeans for chilly evenings, don’t pack them – wear them. The plane is almost always freezing cold anyway. Just ensure they’re easy to remove as you disembark the plane and hit a wall of 40-degree heat.

 

And the conclusion is…

Above all, plan what you’re going to take well in advance and mentally check-off what you will wear each day. Make a list. Be disciplined – don’t deviate. It’s always the last minute packing panic that will result in you paying an excess baggage charge. And most of all – enjoy the freedom of striding through the airport unencumbered by suitcases, smug in the knowledge that this year, you’ll be coming home to one small bag of washing. Bon voyage!

Through the years...

Explore Lands’ End through the years with this very special photo gallery to show our story from 1963 through to the early noughties…

1963… A young advertising copywriter named Gary Comer, who had long pursued a love of sailing in his spare time, decided to pursue his long-standing dream of opening his own business. Comer quit his job of ten years, and started a company that sold marine hardware, as well as sails, and in due course, Comer took over the job of selling such equipment through a mail order catalogue, serviced from the basement of a building along the Chicago River in the city’s old tannery district.

1964… Comer produced Lands’ End’s first catalogue, called The Lands’ End Yachtsman’s Equipment Guide. This catalogue became the most important single reference catalogue available in its time to naval architects, boat builders and sailboat owners.

1973… After entering the computer age in 1970 (with both inventory and sales operations), Lands' End tries its hand at creating something other than sailing equipment: they begin in-house manufacturing of duffel bags.

1974… Lands' End develops and markets its own brand of rain suit, a two-piece outfit worn by sailors in foul weather.

1975… Lands’ End produces its first all-colour catalogue, featuring 30 pages of sailing equipment and two full pages of clothing.

1976… A shift in focus takes place from sailing equipment, to clothing and canvas luggage. Non-nautical products now took up eight pages, including products such as a men's chamois-cloth shirt.

1977… In the spring, Lands’ End issues its first real clothing catalogue, with 13 of 40 pages dedicated to non-nautical goods - including soft luggage, called Square Rigger.

1978… Lands' End began to phase out the sailing equipment aspect of its operations, but retained the rugged, reliable, and traditional nature of the business. Lands' End operations moves from its Chicago base to Dodgeville, a small rural town in Southwestern Wisconsin. Comer chose this location because he had some land in the area and spent quite a bit of time here. Based on his love of the land and the people, he decided to move his business to Dodgeville.

1980… Lands’ End makes the move to its new home on “Lands’ End Lane.” The catalogue business continued to grow by leaps and bounds, and the phone centre was now answering calls 24 hours a day. In order to take on more control of the quality of the clothes it sold, Lands’ End began to hire employees who specialized in fabric and the manufacturing of clothing. In addition to its new facilities in Dodgeville, Lands’ End opened its first Outlet Store, located on Elston Avenue in Chicago – just one block from its original location.

1983… Lands' End moved into its new 126,000-square-foot warehouse and began unloading 8,000 boxes of products so the company’s new automated sorting system could be made operational. Mail order shopping was sweeping the nation and Lands’ End was taking off. To meet Americans’ growing demand for luxury brands, Lands’ End introduced a line of clothing called Charter Club, featuring styles made from Italian silks and other fine fabrics.

1984… Lands’ end becomes a registered U.S. trademark. Due to demand for goods, catalogues were now sent out on a monthly basis, versus a seasonal basis. In addition, Gary wrote a piece for the summer catalogue that he called, “The 8 Principles of Doing Business.” These principles focused on product quality, customer service and the way we treat people – our customer, employees and vendors.

1987… Lands’ End airs its first TV commercial during a rugby match on ESPN. Automated hemming operation handles up to 6,000 pants a day! Lands’ End stock goes on the “big board” – The New York Stock Exchange.

1989… Gary Comer dedicates an 80,000 square foot activity centre to the employees. Comer personally donated $8 million to pay for the construction of the facility.

1991… Lands’ End sends its first catalogue to prospective customers in the United Kingdom. Employment is up to 6,000 people during peak season.

1993… Two new catalogues are launched: Textures, a collection of women’s tailored clothing and Corporate Sales, a new business-to-business catalogue. First phone and distribution centre are opened outside of the U.S. – in Oakham, England.

1994… Japan business is launched with the first mailing of our catalogue written in Japanese and denominated in yen. First Lands’ End Inlet opens in Richfield, Minnesota. Distribution centre opens in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.

1995… Landsend.com makes its debut in July, featuring 100 products. First national multi-media campaign via print, radio and TV began to advertise a single Lands’ End product.

1996… Germany business is launched in Mettlach, Germany. All product is shipped from the distribution centre in Oakham, England.

1998… Lands’ End is recognized as one of the “100 best companies to work for in America.” The Web site introduces personalized shopping accounts and My Virtual Model, where customers can build a 3-D model of themselves. Over 15 million visits are made to the Lands’ End Web site.

2002… Lands’ End joins the Sears family. Maternity wear is added to the Lands’ End collection. Product rolls out in more than 180 Sears full-line stores.

2003… Lands’ End is successfully rolled out to all 870 Sears stores. The company celebrates its 40-year anniversary.

2004… Lands’ End gift card is successfully launched. Employees beat Guinness World Record with 2,773 people pillow fighting for the charity Sweet Dreams. Lands’ End opens an on-site clinic for employees.

2005… Employees, along with a company match, raise $70,610 for Hurricane Katrina victims. Sears and Kmart merger is complete. Lands’ End Germany is voted one of the best places to work in Europe.

2006… Lands’ End expands into an additional 75 Lands’ End Shops at Sears.

2007… Lands’ End Shops at Sears celebrates 200 stores. A new intimates collection is launched.

2008… Lands’ End is recognized as a top performing e-commerce company by the E-Tailing Group and ranks #9 on Business Week’s list of “Customer Service Champs.” Employees take part in a company-wide volunteerism project, along with Habitat for Humanity, to build a home for a local family. ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover highlights the building of a home in Richland Centre, Wisconsin and includes home product donated by Lands’ End.

2013… Lands’ End celebrates turning 50!

Guaranteed. Period.®

The Lands' End guarantee has always been an unconditional one. It reads: "If you're not satisfied with any item, simply return it to us at any time for an exchange or refund of its purchase price." We mean every word of it. Whatever. Whenever. Always. But to make sure this is perfectly clear, we've decided to simplify it further. Guaranteed. Period.®

I'd like to return this taxi, please…

As you'd expect, over the years our guarantee has been put to the test. We've been given countless opportunities to demonstrate our commitment to customer satisfaction and our willingness to stand behind the products we sell - though none more demonstrative than the return and refund of an original London taxi.

Featured on the cover of our 1984 holiday catalogue, the taxi was purchased for $19,000 by a Kansas native as a gift for her husband (an avid car collector). In 2005, her husband contacted Lands' End and expressed interest in returning the car for a full refund. Of course, we obliged - because whether your purchase includes a tote or a taxi, your satisfaction is Guaranteed. Period.®

Guaranteed. Period? Das Ist Verboten!

As you might imagine, lots of interesting things began to happen when Lands’ End went international, starting here, in the UK in 1991 and then expanding into Japan and Germany.

Our US counterparts learnt that in England, a sweater is called a jumper. And that in Japan, customers are crazy for embroidery – over 60% of the polo shirts that were sent out have a gymnast, dolphin, flag or other insignia on the chest.

But what happened in Germany tops everything. It had to do with our unequivocal guarantee – Guaranteed. Period.® – which is the very foundation of the way we do business.

You see, our founder Gary Comer didn’t believe in fine print. He believed in doing business in a fair and open-handed way, and doing whatever it took to provide 100% satisfaction. Like offering a guarantee with absolutely no limits.

So naturally, when we mailed out our first catalogues in Germany, they contained our Guaranteed. Period promise of satisfaction, inviting our new German customers to return anything at any time, for any reason, if they were not completely satisfied with what they’d ordered from us.

Well, much to our surprise, the bratwurst hit the fan. A group of 1600 German merchants called The Association Against Unfair Competition sued Lands’ End, claiming that our unconditional guarantee violating a German law that banned retailers from offering gifts to lure customers.

It wasn’t just neighbourhood merchants fuming and sputtering. “There are a lot of huge companies who are hiding behind this association,” said Frank Kriegl, at the time our marketing director in Germany. Lands’ End refused to back down. In fact, we launched an advertising campaign to win supporters to our just cause. Ganz Deutschland ist eine Servicewueste? asked one ad. Is all of Germany a service wasteland? Alas, the merchant association won their suit when the German Supreme Court ruled that our promise was indeed a violation of German law. But still, we wouldn’t back down.

Phil Young, our European managing director, stressed that the ban would not affect how we treated our German customers. “This antiquated law will no longer allow us to communicate our guarantee to our German custom-ers,” said Phil, “but regardless of this, every single product we sell in Germany will be backed by our guarantee.”

We began running cheeky ads elsewhere in Europe, with headlines like:
“Introducing a guarantee so good the Germans banned it.” In Germany, we just blacked out the “guarantee” part of our ads, stirring up even more interest in the whole brouhaha. And in 1999, we launched the German version of our web site, which couldn’t mention the guarantee, but linked to a separate site that did. German customers began rallying to our cause.

The Association Against Unfair Competition was clearly on the wrong side of the fight, especially as the age of internet shopping picked up steam. Eventually, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s government revoked the antiquated 1932 law prohibiting discounts, rebates and lifetime guarantees.

Just like that, the great Guaranteed. Period. controversy in Germany was kaput. We began telling our complete and unexpurgated Lands’ End story again. And our business has been growing in Deutschland ever since.

The customer is always right, as Gary Comer might say.

Into the new millennium...

 

Lands' End entered the new millennium with a continued strong Internet presence. In fact, in 2001 CIO magazine voted Lands' End as one of its 'Top 100 Innovators' for this generation. Also that year, landsend.com was named as one of the top 100 sites by PC Magazine. While our phone and Internet businesses continued to thrive, a new relationship promised a third channel of business would soon be on the horizon.

Lands' End joined the Sears family in June 2002. Lands' End founder Gary Comer had stepped down as president in 1990, remaining chairman of the board and the majority stockholder until he sold the company to Sears, Roebuck & Co., another retailer with a rich and extensive history that began as a mail-order business. Mr. Comer passed away in October 2006, after a long battle with cancer. He was 78.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears, within five months Lands' End product was rolled out in more than 180 Sears full-line stores alongside other Sears clothing lines. By fall 2003, all 856 Sears full-line stores coast-to-coast featured Lands' End best-selling merchandise for the entire family.

In 2005, Lands' End took the brick-and-mortar approach one step further with the creation of Lands' End Shops at Sears. We found that by pulling all Lands' End products together on the sales floor in a 'shop concept,' we were able to enhance our presentation in the Sears stores. Today there are more than 250 Lands' End Shops at Sears in the U.S. and Canada staffed by consultants specially trained to deliver the Lands' End customer experience.

Sailing on to Dodgeville...

In the early years, Lands' End catalogues were about 32 pages long and came out four times a year. In 1975, our first full-colour catalogue was published, and in 1977, the focus moved toward clothing – gaining placement on 13 of the catalogue's 40 pages.

But the size of our catalogues and the frequency with which they were mailed weren't the only things to experience growth during that time. Up until 1978, the entire company - management, our retail outlet, customer service, returns, creative, marketing – was in residence at 2317 Elston Avenue in Chicago. A dozen or so employees were housed in that two-story building; the basement held our stock. That's when the warehouse and phone operations moved to the little town of Dodgeville in rural Wisconsin.

Lands' End founder Gary Comer had fallen in love with the gently rolling hills and woods and cornfields of Southwestern Wisconsin. And then he found, along with all that nature had to offer, a remarkable group of people in the surrounding community. People who take pride and honest joy in what they do, whether it's carefully placing your order, or hemming trousers to your specifications, or making sure merchandise measures up in quality.

When we first came to Dodgeville, we started small. But the business and the community were good to us. And today our company headquarters has grown to employ thousands, drawing its workforce from throughout Iowa County and the nearby Madison area.