World of Custom

JC Report
Courting Custom | June 16, 2005

Lands’ End
Nine apparel pieces (Jeans, Chinos, Shits and a Jacket for men and women). Color and custom sizing all offered up on the Archetype engine.

Target, JC Penny, Tommy Hilfiger
Similar offerings to Lands’ End (mostly jeans and pants with a shirt or two). All use same Archetype engine.

Ralph Lauren
Fourteen apparel pieces (four shirts and one tie for men, four shirts and one bikini for women and four shirts for kids). Basic color and monogram choice via straightforward web page.

L.L. Bean
Three bags (boat tote, classic backpack and messenger bag). Custom color and feature selection (extra pockets, strap lengths, etc.).

Timberland
Seven boot styles (two for men, three for women and two for kids). Custom color and embroidered monogram with a second generation site that rivals and exceeds (in some areas) the Nike iD site (excellent use of 360° spinning and color recommendations at the start of and during each step of the design process).

Freitag
One bag. Based on custom, utilizing used truck tarps for base material with online interface that lets you select the actual pieces made to build your bag.

Neighborhoodies
Plethora of base products (sweatshirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts, hats, underwear, baby clothes, etc.). All customized with lettering and iron-ons.

Timbuk 2
One bag (classic messenger in four sizes). Custom color, options and accessories through well built online site.

Mi Adidas
Three shoes (one for running, one for soccer and one for tennis) with three areas of customization; fit (length and width of each foot), performance (outsole and midsole options and seasonal upper materials) and design (choosing from over 100 color combinations and embroidered lettering). All of which has to be done in person at select Adidas store locations.

Vans
Two shoes. Custom color and patterns online with a solid and well thought out interface for color selection.

Puma Mongolian Barbecue
Single style served up at hands on kiosks open for limited times at select Puma locations. Very tactile with a DIY flavor.

O’Neill
Just playing, for now…

FootJoy
Popular golf shoe. Custom color and individual length and widths for both right and left shoes.

Nike iD
Fifty-one shoes (thirty-one for men, seventeen for women and three for kids) six bags, five watches and three golf balls. Custom color and lettering on Nike’s third generation site.

Converse
Three shoes (Chuck Taylors high and low and Jack Purcells) with the One Star coming soon. Custom color and embroidered lettering online using the Nike iD engine.