LS&Co. Unzipped
May 30 2012
A Perfect Fit for the Levi's® Brand
You may have heard that we’ve just named a new president of Levi’s® brand: James Curleigh.
This was a critically important decision for us. And I want to tell you why I think James is the perfect fit for this iconic brand – and vice versa. If you’ve had the chance to hear him speak, and if you know anything about the Levi’s® brand, I think you’ll know what I mean.
James comes to us from Keen Footwear, where’s he’s president and chief executive officer. Keen’s a young company that, in a very short while, has had a significant impact on the outdoor industry. In fact, it’s one of the most innovative and fastest growing brands in that industry -- named by Outside Magazine in 2011 as one of the best places to work.
Keen has developed a following that is the envy of any shoemaker, as evidenced by the significant growth in revenue and focus on profitability under James’ leadership. He’s also helped bring Keen products to 60 countries around the world.
James’ approach to innovation really resonated with me. He’s all about listening to consumers to understand what they want, and then delivering something that far exceeds their expectations.
To me, that sounds just like how this company got started. Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis invented the blue jean, giving miners and other hard workers building the American West the perfect pant to wear on the job. And we’ve continued our product innovation to grow Levi’s® into an iconic brand that is more relevant today than ever before.
James’ business philosophy aligns perfectly with the Levi’s® brand. In addition to fostering innovation and building great teams, he has a strong commitment to the environment, embracing a sustainable approach to business. And he has a demonstrated record of giving back to the community.
As I said, a perfect fit.
I’m excited to bring James to the Levi’s® brand and to Levi Strauss & Co. I believe his fresh approach to business will inspire us to break new ground and continue to grow the brand. And I believe the people of Levi’s® are just the ones to welcome him and show him how we’ve gotten to where we are today.
Posted By: Chip Bergh, President & CEO, Levi Strauss & Co. |
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Tags: Levi's® |
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2013
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Keith (not verified) - Sep 13 2013
"Editor's note: Thanks for your comment. I'm told the Levi's® Carpenter will return in mid- to late-October 2013 at a variety of stores, including JCPenney, Dillard's and some Kohl's, as well as in some smaller stores." I sure hope this is true. I've been monitoring this thread for 10 months now hoping to see something positive result. Just curious to see if they'll be made with same quality as the old ones for people that will rely on them for work. Thanks for the update, will be keeping an eye out for them.
Mark (not verified) - Sep 05 2013
Back in the day I used to be a fabricator and picked the carpenter jeans pockets for my cell phone and sharpie marker. Sitting on a wallet pinches nerves and gives me leg problems so I put my wallet in my front pocket. Levis carpenter Jeans solve these problems. I have only worn Levis carpenter Jeans every day except Sunday for a couple decades. Over a year ago when I realized they stopped making them I spend hours and hours buying all the used Levis Carpenter jeans in my size and even longer than my size off of e-bay. I have patched and sewn them over and over till I am down to my last 7 good pairs and a few dozen patched pairs. I am considering buying a few dozen of the 569s and bringing them to a seamstress to have changed back to the carpenter style. It may be pricey but I cannot find anything that will work.
Editor's note: Thanks for your comment. I'm told the Levi's® Carpenter will return in mid- to late-October 2013 at a variety of stores, including JCPenney, Dillard's and some Kohl's, as well as in some smaller stores.
Jane (not verified) - Aug 27 2013
I am tired of patching and re patching my son-in-law's carpenter loose straight jeans. He absolutely loves them and now that you don't make them anymore...I may be patching forever...not to mention they look terrible. Pppplease bring them back.
Nate (not verified) - Aug 23 2013
Longtime buyer of the loose fit original carpenter jean. I was a lifetime buyer of Levi's until you discontinued the style and have been forced to look for something similar. As I read the comment section is realize that I am not alone in love for the fit and function of this style of jean. Having the deep side pocket and the loose fit that Levi's has nothing to compare to. So when you discontinued the carpenter jeans I believe you won't find people will change to other Levi's style. The end result is just lost sales as people try elsewhere. Well here is hoping that another complaint well make a difference.
Eric (not verified) - Aug 23 2013
I was wondering why I couldn't find any carpenter jeans. How can you just discontinue a major style of jeans that lots of people wear? Jut got a hole in my 4 year old carpenters and I was looking everywhere to get a new par and now I see they are discontinued. Now it looks like I will have to find another brand.. ugh. This were the only jeans that fit me perfectly.
Wendy Sullivan (not verified) - Aug 19 2013
Just adding my 2 cents worth to the plea to bring back the old style carpenter jeans! No one does the fit and comfort like Levi's and no other brand has worked for us. Other Levi styles dont have the fit and all the pockets my husband needs. We've gone to a tactical pant from 511 tactical, but he has been a Levi's man for over thirty years and would love to be back in his Levi Carpenters. Thanks!
melody (not verified) - Aug 12 2013
Looking to replace my husbands jeans. He has worn the Levi Carpenter jeans to work for years, and I have had to buy other brands as well. Is there another Levi jean that is really close? Nothing seems to fit the same. I would like to add though if you are thinking of making these again (and I hope you do) that the last set of jeans we purchased seemed to have the same fatal flaw.. they ripped out at the back pockets, where the pocket is sewn to the jean starting at the top of the pocket, down the seam... strangely enough, this hasn't happened with any other jean he wears, or the jeans we purchased before this group, but has happened to 4 of the last 5 pairs of carpenter jeans we purchased. Causing them to be unwearable, and live a much shorter life then those of the past. =( We actually wondered if this was the cause of their disappearance. We miss them though, and would like to have them available again. All the men in this house (3) have their favorite style of Levi's, as do I, we are loyal, regularly repeating customers... and would buy 5 of these carpenter jeans today, if they were available. Thank you for your time!
Robert (not verified) - Aug 09 2013
I also would like to see the return of these carpenter jeans, the larger utility pockets could hold a cellphone/or tool. The new signature ones with the small pockets are worthless. The style was awesome (unlike LEE and others where u look like a grandpa...not that being a grandpa is bad) I have resorted to wearing tactical pants, tried some of Levis other brands of jeans...too tight fiting. I would wear through 4-5 of these a year, they were the best jeans I ever had....wish I had bought 10 of these back in the day and stashed em in my closet
Andrew McKenzie (not verified) - Aug 01 2013
I am Truly disappointed that the Carpenter Jean was removed. such an iconic product and a big corporate mishap. A mature Levi following was totally dissed by this decision to stop production. what happened to advertising. I have always worn Levis and will till I die. Please Add two more belt loops in the back and make it hold an i phone w a case and option to reinforce the knee
Shirley (not verified) - Jul 28 2013
I would like to say that I am equally displeased with Levi's discontinuing the making of the loose fit carpenter jeans. This was all my husband, who works in the construction field, wore until recently when I had to purchase him another brand which he is not happy with. He says the quality and make is not as good. I will continue to look for others. It is hard to believe that this was your worst selling jeans considering the 50+ types of pants you offer. I feel like the statement above "To me, that sounds just like how this company got started. Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis invented the blue jean, giving miners and other hard workers building the American West the perfect pant to wear on the job", in your introduction of the new president is far from the truth since it is those same hard working Americans you have chose to disregard. Your brand no longer stands for this segment of the population. I hope you take mine and others requests into consideration. Thank you. And if anyone out there could suggest any comparable pants that they have found it would be much appreciated.
MIke MacPherson (not verified) - Jul 22 2013
I would love to find the loose/straight/carpenter pants again. I haven't found another pair of Levi's I like the same and will likely also buy another brand. Please bring them back. I am guessing I have worn them constantly for the past nearly 10 years and probably have owned 20 pair.
Nancy (not verified) - Jul 21 2013
Like everyone else here, I'm disappointed that you no longer produce the Levi's carpenter jeans. My 20 year old son loves these jeans and they are all he wears. I typically buy 4-5 pair at a time and the last time was about two years ago. I am now looking to buy replacements and find that you've discontinued them. Very, very sad and disappointed they are no longer available. Please bring them back!
Laurie (not verified) - Jul 16 2013
Just sat down at my computer in search of a replacement pair of Levis Loose Straight Cargo pants for my husband. Very disappointed to read here that they are no longer being made. Guess we'll have to look elsewhere for a replacement. Would love it if LS&Co would bring them back!
Ryan (not verified) - Jul 13 2013
Put me in for a vote on the old style carpenter pants as well. I've been years now waiting for Levi's to wake up. I'm sure someone has to see the lost revenue when they decided to drop them. I've like others had to switch over to another brand just so I could function correctly with my pants. They get me by but they are not like the old Levi's style.
Sam (not verified) - Jul 09 2013
Make carpenter jeans again you greedy Morons!
Editor's note: Sam, really. What would your mother think about such name calling? Anyway, thank you for your comment. You've made yourself clear, and I'll pass along your sentiments to the folks in the Levi's® brand.
Rocky (not verified) - Jul 07 2013
Please bring back the Levis Carpenter jeans. I work in construction, and these are the only jeans I've worn for the past 20 years. I usually buy 6 to 10 at a time. I have always kept several new pair in reserve in my closet, and for that reason I have only recently discovered the Carpenter jeans were discontinued. I have spent a lot of time trying to find a good replacement, but there isn't anything on the market that compares. Bring them back and I will purchase about 10 pair a year.
Greg B. (not verified) - Jul 07 2013
Lost Sales. I worked for a company where any order that couldn't be filled was always considered a lost sale. Calling it a backorder was deemed to be incorrect as there was always the possibility that the customer may go elsewhere to get the product and never return. Well, Levi's, you have definitely created a lost sale with me due to your discontinuation of the loose straight carpenter jeans. They were the only jeans I bought. I do not care for your other offerings and am forced to buy my product elsewhere. Good-bye Levi's. It was great while it lasted.
John (not verified) - Jul 05 2013
I too agree with a lot of these posts. I've been wearing Levi's my whole life and have exclusively worn the carpenter jeans for years. They are the most comfortable jeans and I haven't found anything that can replace them. It seems ridiculous they're not being made. Please bring them back and almost importantly, bring them back to being made in the US. Your jeans were better quality before being outsourced. Please listen to what people are saying. I, like most of the people on here, don't bother writing companies unless it's a pretty big deal. Whoever decided to pull these jeans is clueless and out of touch with the common man.
Paul Wallen (not verified) - Jul 04 2013
Levi's Carpenter Loose Straight 36x34 - BEST WORK JEAN MADE I don't know why it's so hard to find these pants and why they were cancelled. I will buy these indefinitely if you bring them back. I have wasted many hours looking for these jeans. I have wasted a lot of money trying to find a similar fit with other brands and nothing is the same. PLEASE BRING THEM BACK ASAP!!!
Tony H (not verified) - Jun 24 2013
Just throwing my hat in about bringing back the relaxed fit carpenter's jeans. This is all I've worn for more then a decade. I really can't see buying Levi's for any other reason. I've got three pair currently and one is about done. Hopefully they will come back by the time I need to buy again.
Dave H (not verified) - Jun 21 2013
Well, it definitely looks like the company isn't listening. I want/miss my Levi carpenter jeans. Many competitors have jeans that are close (and I've had to buy them) but they aren't the same. Take the massive amount of feedback you're receiving as a sign! Bring them back!
Editor's note: Hi Dave, and thanks for your comment. I'm sharing all the comments with the Levi's® brand team, so rest assured, they're hearing about the demand.
jon (not verified) - Jun 19 2013
Count me as another longtime user of the loose, straight carpenter jeans that will no longer be a customer of Levi's. I have tried all of the other suggestions in your line and none fit as well the old carpenters. I am now forced to spend my $ on some other brand (used to buy 2-3 pair/year for the past 10+ years). Chances are I won't be as happy with what I find, but you have left me no choice. Please realize your mistake sooner than later and bring back the loose, straight carpenter jeans. Even Coca-Cola realized they messed up with New Coke and went back to the original. I see that there has been a rep from Levi's responding on this board. Do yourself a favor, keep people informed as opposed to waiting and answering questions. The absence of info only leads to more doubt. Thanks.
George (not verified) - Jun 13 2013
I have the same issue as all the others who have complained about the cancellation of the Loose Straight Carpenter jeans. Those were the only jeans I fully enjoyed wearing. They always fit just right, and the extra pockets were ideal for carrying items, especially in the summer months when I do not wear a coat. At times I've had three of more pairs hanging in my closet so I could quickly change into a clean pair as desired. I too vote for the return of the Loose Straight Carpenter jeans.
dustin (not verified) - May 28 2013
I see your editors note saying you will let the levi's team know about all of the complaints on the new but bad carpenter jeans..why dont u let us know what the status is and why they wont bring back the old. carpente jeans.. and why they changed them. BRING BACK THE OLD LOOSE STRAIGHT CARLENTER JEANS..PLEEEEEASE!!!!
Editor's note: Hi Dustin. I'm in touch with "the deciders" in the Levi's® brand, and I'll respond when I hear something that I think I can hang my hat on. I don't want to make any promises that I can't keep and don't want you dedicated Carpenter fans excited for no reason.
Scott (not verified) - May 27 2013
Why in the world did you quit making carpenter jeans? Only jeans I wore for the last 15 years and by the number of comments looks like I wasn't the only one.
Jean (not verified) - May 27 2013
There are hundreds of us union workers who miss our carpenter jeans from Levi's. there are no other brands that are in any way comparable to our favorite carpenter jeans from you. Please bring them back!!!!! It's not only the fit but the extra pockets for tools, phone,misc, etc. thanks
Kevin (not verified) - May 07 2013
You lost a faithful customer when you discontinued your Men's Carpenter Loose Straight Jean. I have not bought a Levi's product since and do not plan on buying any in the future unless those jeans are made available again. Take a cue from JCPenny and listen to your customers.
Brendan B (not verified) - May 07 2013
I cant believe i just came upon this today. My wife has looked for these jeans for me because I only have one pair left that havent been completely torn up. The heels are just beginning to shred so i'm in need of more so i can wear to work. PLEASE bring these back. I can't wear those tight fitting types that are the current fad. I need to be able to breath.
Jared Harris (not verified) - May 03 2013
Levi carpenter jeans were the only Jean I wore for years. I don't usually write blogs or express my feeling about clothing , but I am at a loss for work jeans. I bought six pair when I found out that they were being discontinued and they have been gone for it seem like years. Please bring them back, and let's make Levi Strauss a trend setter and make them in the states. I've noticed that the your jeans don't last as long as they used to. Bring some quality back to your product and make them at home. I know many people that will pay extra for the made in the USA tag.
Macky Lineberry (not verified) - Apr 30 2013
Why on earth did you quite making the Levi's carpenter loose straight jeans? My husband is fairly hard to fit & has trouble finding a jean he both looks & feels good in. These jeans were it but his are worn out and I searched high and low trying to get a pair in his size to no avail! So hoping to see these jeans again!!!!
Steven Ferreira (not verified) - Apr 29 2013
I too, along with my Parents have spent thousands of dollars on Levi's . This is the only pair of jeans I have worn since Highschool!!! I also want you to bring back my CARPENTER Jeans PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!! P.S. It's been a long long time since Highschool and to this day Levi's are the only pairs of jeans you will find in my wardrobe.
zoe (not verified) - Apr 26 2013
no need to add to what has been said before by others here. please bring back the old loose, straight carpenter jeans, exactly as they were, except maybe with heavier material..
Brandon (not verified) - Apr 25 2013
I would also like to voice my displeasure with the company for doing away with the carpenter Jeans. They have been all I wore for over 7 years and my last pair just ripped out. So I tried your suggestion of trying the 569's, and they do not even come close to fitting the same. Not to mention the obvious lose of pockets. Please bring them back.
Tammy (not verified) - Apr 24 2013
Another emphatic vote to bring back the original carpenter Jean!!! They simply look great for casual wear as well as for work. This customer would be back to Levi's in an instant!
Lee (not verified) - Apr 23 2013
I am a 40 year old man and need jeans that are for working in. I really like my Levi carpenter jeans. I am wearing my last pare with so many holes my wife keeps trying to throw them away. Please make them again I need jeans that look and feel good. Last along time. Also, you should market the phone pocket. One reason why I like these jeans so much. My Iphone slips right in.
Craig (not verified) - Apr 22 2013
Please bring back the carpenter jeans - my last pair just ripped out and the wife won't let me wear 'em anymore.
Editor's note: Thanks for your note. I'll definitely share it -- along with all the others we've received -- with the Levi's® brand team.
Chris (not verified) - Apr 21 2013
I love my loose straight carpenter jeans. They are simply the best work all purpose jean. They always fit great when you put them on, keep you comfortable and those pockets serve a purpose. I have purchased the Levi signature carpenter sold at Meier here in Michigan but they are not quite the same, close but not the same as the carpenter loose straight silver button jeans that I have had for several years. I agree with the comments that others have posted on this site, Levi is missing a particular market out there that loves this style of jean. I hate skinny jeans, pre ripped torn jeans, I don't need to show crack every time I need to bend over or squat to pick something up. I can wear out the jeans myself with all of the yard work, construction and heavy duty physical work that I put these jeans through. I too have scoured the four corners looking for this particular style of jean. I would say this particular style of jean is far superior to other brands that have attempted to imitate this style and look. Bring back the loose straight carpenter and working men like myself will rejoice and gladly pay for that function and comfort these jeans offer. Besides as a company listen to your customers, you have a following and a market for this certain type of jean. Please bring the loose straight carpenter back otherwise I will spend my money elsewhere as clearly many others are doing already because my Levi silver button loose straight carpenter jeans are impossible to find!
Editor's note: Hi, Chris, and thanks for your comment. I will pass along your passion for the Carpenter jeans to the Levi's® brand team. We've had quite a few Carpenter fans comment, and I've shared almost all of the comments with the brand. Fingers crossed!
Phillip (not verified) - Apr 16 2013
I too have to scour eBay to find the Levis carpenter jeans I love so much. If Levis will not bring them back I will never buy any of their products again. Looking at all the skinny jeans on their website makes me want to puke. Real men don't wear that crap. I work with about 500 guys at a mill and I've never seen one of them wear skinny jeans. BRING BACK THE CARPENTER JEANS!
Bill Stafford (not verified) - Apr 13 2013
I have already sent out an email about bringing back the old style loose fit carpenter jeans. They were the only jeans on the market that fit right and looked good. The reply I got back was there were not enough sales to keep the style. I disagree, you just did not market the jean style the right way. The blue collar working man needs a jean the will fit comfortable and last and theses jeans did the job but I found out about them by word of mouth, I never seen them advertised and as a matter of fact I don't see a lot of Levi ads any where, What happened did you guys get comfortable and complacent. I can tell you without a doubt in my mind if you bring back these jeans and market them the right way they will be flying off the shelves, not just to the working man but anyone who wants to look good and have a pair of jeans that just feel right. You need to have versatility, not everyone can or wants to wear skinny jeans, and not everyone wants to wear carpenter jeans so you need a blend to satisfy everyone not just the few. Marketing will be the key to the jeans success no matter if they are skinny or carpenter so all you have to do is slip on a pair of your old style loose fit carpenter jeans if you can find a pair maybe on ebay and let the jeans speak for themselves. Bring back the jeans you will not be disappointed, and if you need help getting into the head of the person who wants to wear them let me know and I will help in anyway I can to get these jeans back Flying Off The Shelves!!!! Thanks for your time, Bill Stafford
Hayes (not verified) - Apr 11 2013
FYI.. Since you no longer sell these jeans, I hear most people are going to your leading competitor carharrt since they still make the carpenter jeans with all pockets. Why would you want such dedicated buyers buying some other company's products? Just bring them back, promise they will sell like crazy
Editor's note: Hi Hayes, and thanks for your comment. You're right, we're not eager for our consumers to go elsewhere. I will share your comment with the Levi's® team.
Angela (not verified) - Apr 11 2013
This must be a joke! My husband wears the levis carpenter jeans EVERYDAY! I have been searching for them in stores and online... Impossbale to find them other than used on eBay! For the working men that use all the pockets and have the perfect fit it nearly impossbe in any other brand! Why would you discontinue this when clearly it's so loved. Please bring them back. They obviously are making you money since everyone on here is so enraged about not being able to purchase them! Bring them back for the "true" American working men!!!!!
Editor's note: Hi Angela, and thanks for your comment. I will share it with the Levi's® team. Consumer feedback can make a difference in determing what products we make, and we've had quite a few comments like yours about the Carpenter jeans.
Enter Your Name (not verified) - Apr 09 2013
Please bring back the original carpenter. I bought 10 pairs for my hubby a couple of years ago and he is down to the last pair . I absolutely hate the so called generic replacement. I guess it is time to find a new brand.
Tony (not verified) - Apr 04 2013
I highly doubt that if you discontinued or changed any of your other styles that you would get an outcry like this. It is obvious that working men need this jean and stick to it. I am one of those men, it is the only jean I wear. You should validate this extreme loyalty by not only bringing back the old style, but enhancing the quality. Fix the splitting at the back pockets! A quality american company would listen to it's customers needs and satisfy those needs to earn a good reputation. Please do not be a fickle, bottom line corporation that follows trends. These men do not follow trends, and now they cannot find jeans! We need jeans we can stand by, and we are counting on you to stand by us!
Ryan (not verified) - Mar 31 2013
Discontinue the multiple styles of skinny jeans and bring back the carpenter jeans. Complete joke that a pair of yellow skinny jeans can be bought. Will never spend a dime with Levi's until they bring back a decent pair of MEN's jeans .
Matthew Corn (not verified) - Mar 21 2013
Please, please,please bring back the loose fit carpenter jean. It's the only jean I will wear. I've turned to ebay and other sources for used jeans. What a shame. Listen to your customers and give them what they want!
bill l (not verified) - Mar 19 2013
i dont think you are getting the point editor what we want are 550 loose fitting levi carpenter jeans 569 does not cut it the old heavyweight 550's with right and left fob pockets were perfect and long lasting and comfortable
Editor's note: Hi Bill. Thanks for your comment. I will share it with the Levi's® brand. If you're able to find a Levi's® style that works for you, please note that they often come in different weights of denim, so you can choose what works best for you -- from lighter to heavier weights.
Ryan (not verified) - Mar 18 2013
I'm glad I'm not alone. I've just found out today you no longer make the original Carpenter jean anymore. This is a shock as I wear them every day for work and many outdoor activities. I have worn them my whole working career of 13 years for a phone company. I'm so disappointed because they were the perfect everyday jean with the extra pockets for a couple tools and my cell phone. I have no idea how I'm going to replace these. Sincerely,desperate for Carpenter originals. Help a brother out. Bring them back
Carl (not verified) - Mar 18 2013
I have finally wore out my last pair of the original carpenter jeans and can't find a suitable replacement in the Levi company. So I will not be buying any more products until they are brought back.
Andy (not verified) - Mar 18 2013
My last pair of carpenter jeans has now busted. I am so disapointed that you removed this style. This was the only jean that I really liked to wear.
Niles (not verified) - Mar 16 2013
PLEASE bring back the carpenter loose straight jeans. I have been wearing them for 15 plus years and i have only 2 pair left. i have tired other jeans and they just don't fit right or wear out so fast. If I wanted to wear slim or skinny jeans i would go shop in the girls section, but i don't . I want my carpemter jeans back just like every one else before me has blogged. You are losing alot of loyal customers for what, just so you can make a buck. You bring the real carpenter jeans back and i bet you will make your buck and more. i would buy 10 pair now and you would probably sell 1000's more. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN LEVI"S COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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