Hurley-ness as key sponsor of the U.S. Open of Surfing in 2009. Now it’s called the Nike U.S. Open of Surfing.
After 23 years working with Bob Hurley of Hurley (owned by Nilke), Paul Gomez has left the company and will be taking over as CEO of Podium Distribution, owners of DVS Shoes, Diamond Footwear, and Matix clothing. Gomez was the senior vice president of global events and entertainment at Hurley and was known for developing many collaborations within the music industry.
This news comes just months after the U.S. Open of Surfing, sponsored originally by Hurley, and often considered the brand that gave Nike cred within the surf community, was renamed to the Nike U.S. Open of Surfing.
According to Bob Hurley, “Paul has been a great contributor to our company and our brand. His legacy at Hurley is powerful. Paul’s friendship and business acumen are greatly appreciated. His new opportunity is incredible for him, as he spreads his wings into a CEO role. It also provides more opportunity for others to step up and be players. Although bittersweet, both Roger (Wyett) and I are exceedingly happy for Paul.”
HUF Shutters Fairfax Store
In a letter to the industry, Keith Hufnagel said that HUF’s Los Angeles store on Fairfax, an area that is home to several other streetwear brands, was shuttered. HUF is a streetwear and skate-inspired brand that started in San Francisco. The HUF San Francisco store was closed some time ago, leaving the Fairfax satellite store the only retail presence for HUF.
In his letter, Hufnagel explained that they closed the store on Sunday, June 26, 2011, due to unexpectedly losing their lease. The brand will continue as it approaches its 10-year anniversary, and they hope to re-open another store in the future.
Black Diamond for Carhartt
Black Diamond footwear is taking over the license of Carhartt footwear. According to Rick Fecowicz, director of licensing for Carhartt, “Black Diamond footwear is built to the highest standards and certifications, which makes it a perfect extension of the Carhartt brand. They understand the industrial footwear marketplace, which is essential to our core consumer.”
The first roll-out of Black Diamond Carhartt footwear will include 30 styles which will be available in the Spring of 2012. The styles will be waterporoof and include Carhartt’s signature “direct welt construction.” welt construction.
“Carhartt is a great American brand and we are honored to bring our expertise to build footwear that incorporates the brand’s DNA as well as maximize the brand’s true potential in the work boot market,” said Alan Lunder, Black Diamond CEO. “Our management team, coupled with innovative design, product development, sourcing and distribution in the industrial/work retail segment, will allow our retail partners to meet the high expectations of the Carhartt customer.”
Comune guys at Capsule in Las Vegas in 2010.
The Comune drama is coming to a close as the brand has officially released a statement about it’s recent changes:
Last Friday, lifestyle brand COMUNE announced its plan to relocate its operational headquarters from Costa Mesa, CA to the Los Angeles Art District. At the same time, several members of the COMUNE team have chosen to resign from their positions at the company. COMUNE is deeply saddened by the resignations of these employees and wants to thank them for the contributions they have made.
Co-founding partner, Sven Altmetz, has taken over the helm from co-founder Frank Delgadillo. The original COMUNE designer, Jacob McCabe, will maintain his position as the head designer and continue working with his design staff. Corey Smith will continue to head up the Drop City program, Contributing Artists program and the Snow Team.
“COMUNE is determined to work through this change”, says Altmetz. “We are in the process of replacing the sales and marketing team with qualified people who represent the image of the brand and whom we are certain will work well with our distributors and retailers.”
Altmetz also assures current retailers that all Fall and Holiday orders will be shipped in a timely manner as the company will continue operating business-as-usual.
COMUNE insists it will stay rooted in the foundation that has motivated the brand since its start three years ago. The concept, design vision and merchandising will continue without interruption.
