Here at UGG Since 1974™, we’re often asked whether we are the same company as UGG®. The answer is a resounding no (we are not related to UGG® in any way), but for those who aren’t across the ugg story, it’s an easy mistake to make.
After all, our logos are similar, and we both sell ugg style boots. But beyond that, we’re proud to say that the similarities between UGG Since 1974™ and UGG® end there. We do not currently, nor have we ever, had an affiliation or relationship with UGG® or their parent company Deckers Outdoor Corporation ("Deckers").
Here are some of the key differences between UGG Since 1974™, and UGG®:-
- ORIGINS: We manufacture all of our ugg boots at our workshop on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. UGG® has all of its ugg boots manufactured in countries such as China, Vietnam, the Philippines and other parts of Asia (in other words, not in Australia) – and the origin of their products is readily discernible by checking the sew in label inside their products.
- MATERIALS: We strictly use 100% natural sheepskin, with all of our ugg boots being handcrafted from premium A-Grade Australian or New Zealand sheepskin. In some of its product lines, UGG® uses a synthetic fabric in place of natural sheepskin. This fabric is made from a combination of wool and lyocell and may imitate natural sheepskin, but is actually a synthetic, man-made material.
- OWNERSHIP: We are an exclusively Australian owned private company. In fact, we’re one of a very select number of third-generation family owned businesses still operating in Australia. Deckers is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange and owns registrations for the UGG trademark in many countries outside Australia.
- HISTORY: We’ve been manufacturing ugg sheepskin boots for almost 50 years, or since 1974 to be precise. On the flip side, UGG® was acquired by (the company now known as) Deckers Outdoor Corporation in 1995.
- OPERATIONS: We employ approximately 40 staff, and our entire team works within Australia and in compliance with Australian health, safety and working standards. According to Bloomberg, Deckers employs approximately 3,500 worldwide, including throughout Asia – this a continent where the average wage for factory workers has been reported by the Economic Research Industry to be approximately $3-$6 an hour.
- ECONOMIC IMPACT: We’re a significant contributor to the Australian economy, and we’re a tightly held Australian business. At the time of writing, Deckers' annual sales are approximately $3 billion.
- BRAND IDENTITY: We’re Australian through and through – from our design team, to our manufacturing staff, to our sheepskin and our ownership. UGG® has no manufacturing presence in Australia and is not Australian owned.
- PRODUCT AVAILABILITY: Our products are exclusively available in Australia, or via our online store uggsince1974.com.au. Nine times out of ten, we’ll handcraft your boots to order, meaning we only start production on your boots when you place your order. You can even leave your Instagram username at the checkout or with one of our retail team if you purchase in-store, and we’ll film your boots being made especially for you. UGG® mass produces its ugg boots and its products are readily available in many countries around the world.
- TRADEMARK ISSUES: We’re unable to use the ‘UGG’ name overseas, because the trademark to the word UGG is held in most countries by Deckers. Our brand is only able to be used within Australia and New Zealand, and even within Australia, there are now lots of other "ugg" branded boots that are not made here. In order to ensure customers outside Australia and New Zealand can still enjoy our premium boots, all overseas orders are handcrafted with our Since 74 label.
We are proud to produce the finest quality sheepskin boots in the world and we work tirelessly to maintain our premium standards in the Australian manufacturing industry. Our loyal customers, located both within Australian and around the world, continue to grow as the word spreads about UGG Since 1974, and the quality products we handcraft each and every week. There’s nothing better than knowing that people are again becoming passionate about buying quality products which are ethically manufactured, produced in a sustainable way and made entirely within Australia.
Based on our 2020 survey, more than 98.7% of first-time UGG Since 1974 customers responded that they would purchase from us again, and we love to see our customers coming back time and time again (even if our boots do last for many years). If you’re looking for genuine and premium Australian made ugg sheepskin boots, perhaps it's the season to strike up a relationship with your very first pair made by UGG Since 1974.
More questions? Feel free to get in touch with our team at hello@uggsince1974.com.au
With love from Australia and the team at UGG Since 1974
