Closing Down - everything must go – Who Made Your Pants?

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Closing Down - everything must go

Posted by Becky John on October 02, 2015

It is with great regret and sadness that I must inform you that today a decision has been taken which means that Who Made Your Pants? is ceasing trading once the existing completed stock has been sold.

We started in 2008 with a mission to create jobs for marginalised women. While we have achieved some remarkable things for individual women over the past seven years, we have been unable to generate enough sales to match our cost base.

Our aim was to become profitable and self-sufficient and to move away from the need to survive using charitable grants and loans from supporters.

We have struggled to achieve sustainable levels of production and this coupled with inconsistent supply of raw materials has meant it was always a struggle to sell the pants at a high enough margin to pay for our overheads and therefore cash flow has been a constant issue for us.

We would not have got this far without the help from our incredible supporters, customers, and suppliers who have either invested in us, given their time for free or bought our pants.

I personally remain committed to the vision of empowering women through work. My passion for this has not diminished but has grown. I have seen the profound impact Who Made Your Pants has had on the women we have worked with and I am immensely proud of that. Women have told me explicitly that their lives are better because of the jobs they have had here. I am more determined now than ever to work with more women, create more jobs and change their lives. At some stage I hope to be able to bring a business based on my passion and values back to the market in a more sustainable format and achieve our long term aim.

The last Pants made by our team are all available for sale on our webstore. They have 10% off as we start a closing down sale. Your support is still valuable to us. Please give them good homes and remember and, I hope you can treasure, the work that went into them.

Today has been a very difficult day for us all here and so we hope you will understand that we will not be responding to any social media, emails or phone calls over this weekend.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the story so far. We hope you will join us for the next chapter.

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Comment on this post (12 comments)
- Bronwen says...
  
  “
  
  I’m so sorry to hear about this.
  I’ve loved using your shop - the occasional little treat for myself PLUS benefiting other people - I always thought it was a win-win situation.
  
  October 09, 2015
- Tracey says...
  
  “
  
  Really sad news, you have all achieved so much and it is such a shame to say goodbye to WMYP. I will treasure every pair of pants that I have purchased from you. Thank you all. X
  
  October 07, 2015
- Sue says...
  
  “
  
  Becky, like others before me I wanted to wish you and your team the very best of luck as you cope with this and go forward. You have been a role model and done groundbreaking work. I loved the blog you wrote about being a ‘good employer’ and sorry that you are encountering such tough times now.
  
  October 07, 2015
- Kate Dawson says...
  
  “
  
  Becky, I was fortunate enough to hear you speak at Meet the Manufacturer in June 2015. I will never forget your speech or your passion. You are an amazing person with a huge inner strength. This will be a very tough time for you and I am so sorry to hear that Who Made Your Pants is no longer a viable option. I know that you will rise again and continue to strive towards what you set out to do. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
  My very best wishes to you and your team,
  Kate
  
  October 06, 2015
- Sue Jelleyman says...
  
  “
  
  So sad for you Becky and for all of WMYP. I grieve for all the good that you have done and which cannot continue now in its present form.
  All the very best and I’m sure in time the ethos will arise like a Phoenix from the ashes, better and more sustainable .
  Much love - from another girl who went to school in Bridgend!
  Sue
  
  October 03, 2015
- Harriet says...
  
  “
  
  Dear WMYP,
  I still can’t believe this has happened - just wanted to say that I ordered as many pants as I could yesterday and that I will treasure them, not only as lovely pants but especially because they represent empowerment, creativity, determination and love. You have done a wonderful thing over the past 7 years and that achievement shines on. Sending love, best wishes and strength to everyone. And of course wishing you good luck for the next chapter…keep us posted!
  Harriet xxx
  
  October 03, 2015
- Jenny Spouge says...
  
  “
  
  So, so, sorry to read this. I support every principle you endorse and so wish we could find ways that are sustainable and life-affirming for people and planet.
  
  Be proud of what you have achieved.
  
  October 02, 2015
- Phil says...
  
  “
  
  Sorry to hear your sad news. Such a terrific idea and such lovely pants. Wishing all of you well for the future.
  
  October 02, 2015
- Sally Cawdery says...
  
  “
  
  Gosh what surprising and sad news! But Becky you should not feel that you have failed, you have made a significant and real difference to the lives of the women who have worked for you and you have changed the behaviour of people like me who no longer regard cheap clothes as a bargain without a thought for the lives and working conditions of those who made them. I have been inspired and moved by the story of Who Made Your Pants and I will be buying pants from your remaining stock for everyone for Christmas as soon as I’ve finished writing this. Who Made Your Pants is an amazing success for so many people and you are a real trail blazer for the rights of independent women everywhere. Beckypants I totally love you and everything you stand for. I can’t wait to see what you do next and you will have my absolute support for whatever it is. You are amazing. xxx
  
  October 02, 2015
- Al Draper says...
  
  “
  
  So sad to hear this news. What you have done and what you seek to do is an inspitlration and aspiration for all businesses! Thank you for modelling it, trying it, having the guts and confidence to give it a go, for working with integrity and also being open and honest about whether it’s sustainable. Look forward to your next (ad)venture…meanwhile thinking of you at this difficult time.
  
  October 02, 2015
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