The Material Review

Issue 082: Made in America Issues and Opportunities, Facebook Is Just Craigslist Now, The Face of the Devastated Sports Fan, Middle-Class Restaurants, The Old Ghosts and Spotlight On: Spring Footwear.

Michael Williams

and

Taylor Stacey

Apr 16, 2025

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

How Made-in-America Brands Turn Tariff Turmoil Into Opportunity

“While tariff uncertainty threatens to roil the global fashion industry, brands that already produce their goods in the US have an opportunity to shine if they’re able to communicate the value of American manufacturing to cautious consumers.” [BoF]

50 Made-in-America Clothing and Footwear Brands, Updated for 2025

“From denim and tees to boots and bags, these are the best brands making products in the USA.” [Gear Patrol]

Why It’s Impossible for Most Small Businesses to Manufacture in the US

“American companies that make everything from keychains to mattresses say Chinese manufacturing is superior, and tariffs won’t be enough to shift production to the United States.” [Wired]

Facebook Is Just Craigslist Now

“The social-media giant has manifested its final form: not digital connector, but digital bazaar.” [The Atlantic]

The Face of the Devastated Sports Fan

“There are classic moments in this subgenre of deflated fandom that you may have seen before, even if you do not love or pay much attention to sports.” [The New Yorker]

Where Will We Eat When the Middle-Class Restaurant Is Gone?

“The boom in American sit-down chains has come and gone. What replaced them isn’t so great for human connection.” [NYT]

The Old Ghosts

The Old Ghosts is new editorial endeavor between ACL and The Fliers Club. In my introductory letter, I describe the mission of The Old Ghosts. “We want to expand the aperture around the game and set out to create something different from most of what’s out there. The Old Ghosts will focus as much on craft, style, travel, gear, and epicurean undertakings as it will on golf. We care about the traditions of the past and the small but important details of life.” Basically, we wanted to do something about golf, but also focused on other interesting stuff. Come check it out.

A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.

Spring Footwear

Classifieds

Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line at if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 character per ad.

🎉 Wythe Spring/Summer 2025 Release Party

Thursday, April 24th - 6:00-9:00pm. 59 Orchard St. NYC

Join us as we celebrate the launch of our SS25 collection. Drinks from @laschingonasimports and Topo Chico.

🎉 Chess Club + Snow Peak | Outdoor Archive Book Launch Party

Wednesday, April 16, 6-9pm. 435 NW 6th Avenue. Portland, OR

A Book Launch Party for The Outdoor Archive - A compelling collection of one hundred years of outdoors magazine and catalog design, featuring the work of crucial creatives and seventy iconic brands.

🎉 Corridor & Weekenders 4/20 Backyard Party

Sunday, April 20th, 12–6 PM. 165 Dekalb Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11217

Join Corridor and the Weekenders on our Fort Greene back patio for pre-rolls, drinks from Brooklyn Brewery, and good vibes. 10% of store sales will go to The Last Prisoner Project, supporting their mission to free those still unjustly incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses.