Action news has been investigating the same phenomenon locally, and the results have been much the same, with one business owner determined to keep her product made in America.
The Chilly Jilly is the brainchild of a Marlton, New Jersey woman that was borne of the fact that she was constantly cold. It is a wrap that goes in a bag, made to fit in a woman's purse.
Jill Boehler patented the product, and it is selling well, but perhaps not as well as it might be, because, as Jill says, it is almost totally made in the USA.
"The silk we get from New York. All the labels come from Florida," explains Jill Boehler.
Jill Boehler is proud of the 'Made in America' label on her product, certifying that her invention is made in America. But that label comes at a price.
"I think the number one thing that stops this product from growing even bigger is that, the only thing we ever hear is that it's too much money," says Boehler.
The Chilly Jilly is sold in some 500 boutique stores across the country. With sales for the topping 8 thousand items at $35.
Jill says she is certain she could cut that cost in half if she decided to manufacture overseas, but she's committed to keeping production here, no matter what some customers say.
"I think they would rather, unfortunately, get it cheaper, pay less, than have it made in the USA," says Boehler.
The reason she stays? For one, Boehler says, she can oversee production and quality is in her control.
But perhaps more significant, the jobs she's creating; almost 20 connected to her product, not to mention those employed by others along the assembly line.
George Tsetsekos, Dean of Drexel University's business school, says that goes a long way; patriotism in both production and purchasing bound to have a huge effect at home.
"Overall I think consumers are not all that patriotic, to be frank with you, when they purchase products. They are more concerned with quality and price," says Tsetsekos.
The notion that if 200,000 jobs would be created if each American household spent $64 a year on American made products is just the very beginning.
"It's a pessimistic figure. I think we have more employment and growth," Tsetsekos said.
"We're a small company but we still have far reaching effects I think," said Boehler.
