Editor's Note: For the last 28 years, Gun Tote'n Mamas (GTM Originals) has been producing high-quality concealed-carry purses and other CCW gear, and it's been one heck of a ride. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing gun-sales boom has made that ride more of a roller coaster than any of us anticipated...but GTM president Claudia Chisholm says that the gun-gear leather-goods leader is riding out the loop-the-loops. What's it like to be at the helm of a self-defense-focused company in the year 2020?
What's happening with production?
With three shipments coming in through November and more shipments arriving in December, we will be well stocked again to meet the unprecedented demand now, through the holiday and into 2021.
Do you have any new products and when will they launch?
We introduced late summer the new Distressed Buffalo leather town tote in three colors, in addition to the best-selling distressed brown.
New Year’s development already is two months ahead of schedule, with final samples arriving before Thanksgiving. Historically, we always launch at SHOT Show and we expect to do the same with Virtual SHOT Show.
Have there been significant delays?
Our production team has been spot on-time putting in overtime to keep up with historic demand. Our largest challenge, as with everyone bringing goods in from other countries, is the West Coast ports and domestic logistics congestion. Several of our orders are either waiting to be unloaded from the boats or waiting for train space to open up. We are thinking positive that these delays will soon even out.
How have you been able to control your supply chain?
We have a 28-year, very close relationship with our leather factory producing GTM products and all our leather goods. I have personally helped train this factory to reach ISO status and be one of the most highly sought-after factories. It is these years of personal interaction, respect and friendships that allow us to have the support we need when the bar has to be raised in these times. This is true with all our factories.
How do we know when your products will be made available?
Watch for our upcoming concierge hot line, being set up as we speak. This new service will allow us to provide full B2C and B2B customer service regarding availability of our line, as well as any other questions that may arise surrounding use of the bags. The intent is to help our consumers find product among our family of dealers during these days of shortages – a true win-win for the entire GTM network and ensuring product for women’s self-protection is available when needed.
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