Happy Birthday Akubra

[Duper]

The "News" section of the Akubra website was updated a couple of days back. The Akubra brand has had its centennial anniversary.
I thought they would put our some commerative hat or pin to mark such a milestone, but alas non mentioned in the story.

http://akubra.com.au/news/?p=1336#top

 

[Godfrey]

That's a shame. I'm often surprised the opportunities Akubra misses to promote their product. Sack their ad agency I say.

Also was poor copy!

"AKUBRA TURNS 100 HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL FRESH AND VIBRANT"

However? A little pride in the history and place of the company is more than in order.

 

[danofarlington]

I agree with you. They are missing an opportunity. Being a continuously-operated company under the same name (unlike the ownership shift of Stetson) should also be a selling point. Many of the old-line companies didn't make it through the recent four decades, and I would think that people would react to Akubra as more of a blue-chip hatter if they knew that...not that they don't regard it now as blue chip, but they could burnish the image.

Borsalino and others might also tout their vintage. They don't, so far as I know, and if not it's because they're scared to death of being viewed as old-time and stodgy. I do not believe that would be the effect of claiming an uninterrupted tradition, but I believe the suits at those companies are almost psychotic on grabbing the youth market. If you look at Borsalino's website, it's all young-people stuff.

 

[Wolfwood]

I think they are too big in their own region to really worry about their international image and marketing. Their Facebook presence also leaves a lot to be hoped for (compared to Stetson and Borsalino, for example).

 

[Godfrey]

It's interesting. I shot them an email a while back recommending something or other on the lounge. I got a very nice email back thanking me for my note and an expression of surprise that the lounge existed and was so well subscribed. it seemed odd but I think it's in part that so much of their volume is for more traditional Australian outback hats. I don't think they focus as much on the urban/ fashion market.

I got hold of a Aubra salesmans brief case on eBay spanning the 1950's through to the late 1970's. Lots of magazines, samplers of felt, order forms, etc. I'll have to photo and post it but it's interesting the obviously vibrant 'city' market in that period.

 

[m0nk]

I have 3 Akubras and do like them quite a bit, but I agree that it they could do so much more with the city market, especially if they expanded their international advertising and sales.

 

[EggHead]

If they add some crown height to their fedoras, 5 3/4" would be nice, they would see a decent influx of customers.

 

[Blackthorn]

That's a shame. I'm often surprised the opportunities Akubra misses to promote their product.

That's been a pet peeve of mine for years. They could do a lot more business than they do, if they'd offer all their hats in all the colors they make.