No Rise Expected in Cotton Garment Prices

Even though the price of raw cotton is up sharply this year, George Hagopian, president of Cotton USA, a Moorpark manufacturer of women’s clothing, doesn’t expect a corresponding increase in retail costs.

“Between the mill and the retail store, a garment goes through so many hands that the cost of the cotton isn’t that important,” he said. “I think supply and demand have much more impact on the final price.”

Hagopian won’t disclose dollar figures, but says his sales have tripled over the past two years. He credits a revamped nationwide marketing operation and wide acceptance of Cotton USA’s latest leisure wear. The line, designed by Hagopian and his wife, Lydia, emphasizes lace trim and lots of embroidery.

Cotton USA has 200 employees, up from 110 a year ago. The firm’s garments are made entirely of domestically grown cotton.

Those spiraling cotton prices, incidentally, are blamed on a disappointing harvest in China and other parts of Asia.