Happy Canada Day!

So it's Canada Day today and I thought I would share an interesting article I read recently about 13 AWESOME THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW WERE MADE IN CANADA. This is a great read but I am just mad they forgot socks lol!

1. Did You Know Most of the World's French Fries Come from New Brunswick?
2. Did You Know Carlton Place Makes the World's Best Baseball Bats?
3. Did You Know Saskatchewan Makes Most of the World's Lentils?
4. Did You Know Scarborough Makes Most of the World's Halls?
5. Did You Know Winnipeg Mints Coins for Over 60 Countries?
6. Did You Know Hamilton Makes the World's Swedish Fish?
7. Did You Know Toronto Makes the World's Best Racing Bikes?
8. Did you Know Winnipeg Makes Most of the World's Scratch Cards?
9. Did You Know the World's Best Cymbals come from New Brunswick?
10. Did You Know Trenton Makes Tons of Dinos?
11. Did You Know Kelowna Makes Most of the World's Water Slides?
12. Did You Know Peterborough is the Custom Aircraft Capital of Canada?
13. Did you know B.C. Makes Tons of Submarines?

Which are your favorites?

Are Canadian made goods *really* overpriced?

With the recent building collapse in Bangladesh that killed almost 300 workers, it got me thinking about what the "made in Canada" label really means to consumers. There are only a handful of companies that still rely on Canadian ingenuity, skilled workers, and safe working conditions, to produce goods at a price that the market is willing to pay. Unlike companies such as "Canadian tire" who try to disguise the fact that practically all of their stuff is made in China, there are still companies like Canada Goose who use this as a strategic advantage when trying to compete internationally.

The Great Canadian Sox Co Inc. is Canada’s largest producer of outdoor adventure socks and has been in business for over 30 years. Seeing sock manufacturing and production practices move overseas due to globalization is directly related to consumer demand for cheaper products, and has forced us to re-evaluate our stance in the marketplace. As with any industry, in order to succeed one must adapt to the times and find their niche. We have been able to do this by creating a line of technical socks with innovative new features and fibers.

As garment production continues to move overseas, staying in Canada, despite the costs and hurdles, remains a tremendous source of pride for both the company and our loyal customer base as well. We understand that most Canadians want to support companies that go out of their way to operate here. The fact that we are 100% Canadian owned and operated is definitely one of our strengths. The apparel industry in Canada at large continues to struggle, and it is truly disheartening to see companies close down their operations here. Thankfully, government contracts and private label work (including producing socks for the Canadian army and socks for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics) continue to be a source of revenue, which has helped us remain efficient and keep fixed costs low. As consumers we often underestimate our power to change the way business is done, and with increasing competition from overseas we MUST support our own before it’s too late.

Summer Sock Sale

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website and e-store. You may have seen our socks at MEC or have been to our factory outlet, but now you can get them delivered right to your door! Hurry we are currently offering 3 free pairs of sport socks with each order placed before July 31, 2013.

Great Gift Idea's

With Father's Day quickly approaching greatsox.com has just the gift for all you last minute shoppers out there. We all know that buying presents can be tough but it doesn't have to be. Why not give him something he can actually use, without breaking the bank! Whether it be for the traveller, the active adventurer, casual cottager, or designer dresser we have it all. Check out some of these recommendations:

The Traveler - Lightweight, easy to dry/wash and helps reduce swelling cause by sitting down for extended periods in confined spaces such as on a plane or in a car

Arriva Travel-tec Compression Support/Travel Legwear
http://goo.gl/jPfNL

J.B. Expedition Adventure Travel Quick drying socks
http://goo.gl/cl8Oe

The Active Adventurer - The focus on these socks is on functionality

J.B. Extreme Mesh Air GT Merino Wool Hiking Socks
http://goo.gl/p6BPQ
J.B. Sport's Rayon from Bamboo Low-cut Sport Socks
http://goo.gl/0X9di
J.B. Expedition - Lite Walker Wicking Coolmax Socks
http://goo.gl/lWSgR

The Casual Cottager - These socks are designed to keep you comfortable all year round

J.B Naturals 96% Cotton Weekender Casual Socks
http://goo.gl/EoyU6

J.B. Workforce Traditional Bootsock 3PK
http://goo.gl/avaZK

The Designer Dresser - These socks never go out of style

Vagden Argyle Cotton Dress Socks
http://goo.gl/drgCF
 
Vagden "no ordinary" Merino Wool Cushion Dress Socks
http://goo.gl/C8iBc

Why we love socks!

Let's be honest there's nothing really like the feeling of putting on a new pair of socks. They are perhaps one of the most vital parts of our wardrobe yet are often overlooked until you realize how cold and uncomfortable your feet really are. Or what happened to the matching pair lol! I always say that a good pair of socks is as important as a good shoe and vice versa. Unlike other pieces of apparel socks are hidden but are much more functional to overall health. It can also be considered an accessory offering a simple and easy way to express yourself. This is why we carry such a wide selection. From the latest fashions to the classic basics we got you covered!

SUMMER SOCK SALE ON NOW!

To celebrate the launch of our new website and help you kick off the summer on the right foot, we will throw in 3 SPORT SOCKS FREE WITH EVERY ORDER (OFFER ENDS JULY 31ST, 2013)

Don't forget our buy 3 get the 4th free promotion!

Need help choosing the right pair of winter boots?

Along with the right pair of socks a good pair of boots is essential if you want to keep your feet dry and comfortable on long hikes. Don't forget the liners! Check out this review by Get Out There magazine on Columbia's Bugaboot plus XTM Winter Boots.

Andrew Skurka's inspiring journey through the Arctic!

Check out this awesome documentary sponsored by National Geographic about one man's amazing adventure. Hope he had a pair of these! -40 Below Artic Trail Socks

Winter Camping 101

A guide how to survive winter camping. Sponsored by the Ontario government. Here is another great article with a step by step checklist from wikihow.

Check out our new website greatsox.com

Greatsox is now blogging!