INSTRUCTIONS: Select at least 2 other classmate’s threads and post a reply that advances the conversation. Your replies must clearly link to the original author’s post, contribute new information, and be supported by the scholarly resources. Submit replies of at least 200 words each to at least 2 other classmate’s threads. Each reply must include a minimum of 2 scholarly resources (in addition to the Bible and Text) and demonstrate a substantive discussion that meets grading rubric specifications. Compare and contrast what you wrote in your main response to what each student wrote in the main response. Please copy and paste your thread into the Discussion. No title page or abstract is needed.
DISCUSSION POST Made in America
Most products that people buy are globally produced and manufactured. However, the saying, “Made in America” or “Made in the USA” has been around for quite some time. This saying has meaning and many consumers have brand loyalty or allegiance to a manufacturer. Furthermore, customer loyalty is one of the most important concepts in marketing and has been proven a vital source of firms’ comparative advantages (Huang, 2017). Corporations know this and their marketing teams are hoping to tap into this source and push profits higher and higher.
Rocky vs. Red Wing
The case study in question for this short discussion is the Rocky Shoes versus Red Wing Shoes (Hill, 2018, p. 192). Rocky Shoes was upset that competitor Red Wing Shoes used the logo “Made in America” and alleged that some of the Red Wing Shoes were manufactured in China and decided to sue. Rocky sued Red Wing for false advertisement, tortious interference with business relationships, and deceptive trade practices (Athens News Staff, 2006). The actual outcome of the court case was basically a wash. The plaintiff (Rocky) fell short of demonstrating egregious conduct because it had not presented evidence of fraudulent intent, but the court did grant Rocky injunctive relief for damages arising after the filing of the lawsuit (Rocky Brands, Inc. v. Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc., 2008).
The outcome of the case is important, but the fact that the leadership at Red Wing knew about the slogan and knew that manufacturing was done outside of the USA is just deceitful. However, Hill (2018, p. 193), points out, that “ambiguity comes in two forms: intentional and unintentional.” This slogan used by Red Wing Shoes may be an unintentional ambiguity as some of their products are in fact made in the USA, but apparently, not all of the pieces are. Rocky Shoes CEO Mike Brooks said, “The main thrust (of the lawsuit) is to get them to play fair, and not continue to beat me and other people up with, ‘I can do it in the USA, and nobody else can” (Athens News Staff, 2006).
Rocky Press Release
Made in America is a great slogan and customers deserve to get what they are advertised when making purchases. We at Rocky Shoes believe that everyone needs to play by the rules and whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. We also think that Red Wing Shoes should be submissive to the rulers and authorities, be obedient, and be truthful in their advertisements. Rocky Shoes will continue to make superior products for our customers while not deceiving them about the origins of production.
