Made In America Store Reaches Major Milestone, Marking 10 Years Of Made In The U.S.A.

Mark Andol, founder and CEO of Made in America Store, reflected on his first decade of business in retail and American product distribution, and more than three decades of steel products manufacture.

ELMA, N.Y. (PRWEB) April 01, 2020

First opened on April 3, 2010, the Made In America Store marks 10 years of All-American Job Creation.

Mark Andol, founder and CEO of Made in America Store, reflected on his first decade of business in retail and American product distribution, and more than three decades of steel products manufacture.

“The odds were against us in 2010,” Andol began. “We were told the days of American manufacturing were behind us, that American consumers preferred buying cheaply-made products from overseas. The odds-makers were wrong. Our customers, 500 suppliers and 10,000 products have debunked that fallacy.”

By the time Andol and his family cut the ribbon on his first store, in the little town of Elma, New York, media outlets from across the nation were asking for an interview with him and photos/video of the store that rose from his “crazy” idea. The e-commerce site is MadeInAmericaStore.com.

The Associated Press carried the story across America and around the world, and media outlets from Japan, South Korea, Russia, Germany and the UK all sent reporters. The message Andol gave to each of these reporters was to encourage domestic manufacturing in their own countries.

This concept has never been more relevant than today, given the uncertainty of supply chains that pass through a number of countries. Your odds are better for supplying your customers when you source your products from American manufacturers. And, it’s better for the environment, too.

Andol opened the Made in America Store following the loss of 50% of his manufacturing business to overseas competition, currency manipulation and the Great Recession. Forced to close two of his four General Welding & Fabricating plants in Western New York, he wanted to make a statement, “for country, for soldier, for American worker and for our children’s future.”

Rather than staging a large public event, this year’s anniversary will be subdued in scope, but overflowing in appreciation. All customers to Made in American Store in Elma that weekend will enjoy 20 percent off their purchases (in-store only). By stretching out the anniversary throughout the entire weekend, attendance will comply with CDC guidelines and be monitored by store employees. The store will be open for business – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, as well as 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 5.

Andol asks everyone to fly their flags now – in April – to kickstart America’s patriotic season, which extends from May through November. This period of American solidarity and gratitude is highlighted by Armed Forces Month in May, as well as Memorial Day; Flag Day in June; Independence Weekend in July; the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in August; Labor Day in September; and, Columbus Day in October. It will culminate with Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving Day in November.

“To commemorate Made in America Store’s 10th year in business, we ask all our customers, suppliers and supporters of American manufacturing to fly the American Flag to demonstrate our shared belief in American values and unity, resilience and strength,” Andol concluded.