American Apparel
People were drawn to American Apparel by the phrase “Made in the USA — sweatshop-free.” It was a brilliant concept to encourage ethical buyers to support the Los Angeles brand. The company thrived brilliantly until 2015 but has since struggled to regain its footing. Gildan Activewear, a Canadian multinational, bought the name and manufacturing equipment rights for $88 million two years later, salvaging the company. We’re not sure if American Apparel would still exist today if this hadn’t happened. If you adopt a literal view, the company’s headquarters will remain in the Americas.
American Apparel
7-Eleven
Every successful company started with a visionary founder. 7-Eleven was no different. While working at Southland Ice in 1927, Jefferson Green, a regular Joe, saw an opportunity to expand his product range. He broadened his product offerings to include bread, eggs, and milk. He was a good person. That business plan worked, and his Dallas-based firm grew even more once he changed the name to 7-Eleven to reflect the store’s operational hours. It is still a part of popular culture in the United States decades later. The economy faced a rough time when it imploded in 1987. This is where Ito-Yokado, a Japanese business, stepped in. This is why it was purchased by Seven & I Holdings.
7 Eleven
