Carhartt: Using research to engage a core customer base of hard-working Americans

This report covers a conference address by Carhartt, the work-wear men’s apparel manufacturer, describing its use of brand-building advertising and market research in the US to engage its core customers and develop new products for them.

Carhartt: Using research to engage a core customer base of hard-working Americans

Geoffrey Precourt Warc

To stay fresh, global brands often need to travel halfway around the world to find the insights that will drive innovation. But, as it approaches its 125-year anniversary, Dearborn, Michigan's Carhartt Inc. simply doesn't have the resources for such global learnings.

In recent years, however, the manufacturer of rugged coats, blue jeans, socks, and boots for hard-working Americans (and a growing audience of style-conscious urbanites) has embraced a new "consumer-centric culture" that demanded a different kind of educational experience.

"Twelve years ago,...

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