The company also buys dead-stock from manufacturers. Overseas sales account for a large majority of The Rag Machine's business. For example, the current rage is Champion label clothing and faded Levi denim. Also popular on the recycled market are Nike and Adidas items, military surplus, Western reruns, as well as anything from the '70s, such as embroidered shirts and hippie dresses. Other clients include American retail store chains such as the 34-outlet Suburban Outfitters, which sells used clothing in its Urban Renewal department, and Canal Jeans in New York City.
Current plans call for moving The Rag Machine warehouse and opening additional retail outlets.
We hope to open within the next two years four or five and then we want to franchise. That's our goal. Employment is expected to rise from seven at The Rag Machine to 12 in the next six weeks. The Great American Recycling Store employs four. National Recycling Center employs nine at its Skillen Avenue facility.