Raising Prices

[Valigator]

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/living/14193349.htm

Posted on Mon, Mar. 27, 2006
See ya later, alligatorAlligators are in trouble. No, not an athletic team, real alligators. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have played havoc on the alligator hides market.
Even though the harvest was nearly normal this year, it's now feared saltwater floods damaged foliage that alligators use to build nests.
No nest, no eggs, no skins, no Ricky bag.
The Ricky bag is the handbag designed by Ralph Lauren. The price of the alligator bag jumped 17 percent this year, which makes the current price $14,000. Mercy.
The Ricky bag is named after the designer's wife and was inspired by 19th-century luggage.
Ralph Lauren, who is also selling alligator cuff bracelets for $1,250 and men's alligator sandals for $995, is, as usual, thinking ahead and securing a multiyear deal with an alligator farmer.
The probable pending shortage comes at a time when alligator luxury pieces are hot, especially the Ricky bag.
Yes, even at $14,000 for the handbag, they fly off the shelves and there's even a waiting list.