The New York Times (Oct 8,2010) reported on Tod’s an Italian shoemaker that has maintained manufacturing in Italy, and does all of its design and development based on the founding family’s instinct for comfortable design. The company focuses on its distinct style, high quality materials, old fashioned tools that are less technology intensive and more focused on fashion instinct. By cultivating a loyal customer base, the company maintains margins by passing along the cost of materials to customers. Despite the recession, the company has remained profitable. The owner says in the article that reducing costs by moving offshore would destroy credibility in the eyes of its customers. Is demand affected by the production and design source ? Is a slow and focused approach that denies use of technology a reasonable model ? Your thoughts