In a letter to the surfing industry and posted on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) site, legendary surfer Kelly Slater says good-bye to his long-time sponsor Quiksilver and tells of his plans to embark on his own brand with the Kering Group. The 11-time ASP World Champ will be launching his own sportswear/lifestyle apparel […]
The struggles rippling through fashion retail are resulting in many changes for brands, especially those in action sports, denim, and sportswear. Zumiez’s January financial reports released February 5, 2014 record a net sales decrease of 24.3% to $38.1 million from $50.3 million last year within the same five week period. Comparable store sales are down […]
Fashion retail has been a roller coaster for the past few years, but over holiday season, we again see how some brands are able to capture a new marketplace and others continue to streamline in the wake of economic uncertainty. First, as Quiksilver announced several months ago, they continue to focus efforts on their core […]
Last weekend December 14, 2013, pro surfing came to a dramatic season ending at Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s north shore with Kelly Slater, 41, winning his 7th Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons in massive 15-foot waves. Slater defeated John John Florence (HAW), 21, in a hard-fought, 35-minute Final that ended with less […]
American Eagle Outfitters reported their Q3 finances December 6, 2013, with dismal results of a drop in profits of 68.3%. Like many teen retailers facing a challenging economic climate and out of tune with the youth marketplace, American Eagle is struggling to figure out what to do. Robert Hanson, CEO stated, “Our financial performance is […]
They call it their “profit improvement plan” to streamline the brand, and focus, but another way to put it is that Quiksilver, once the kingpin of surfing and action sports, has had to deal with a harsh wake-up call that they simply aren’t popular with their once-core market of teens. Quiksilver hasn’t turned a profit […]
Billabong continues to struggle along, this time by selling 92 West 49 retail stores across Canada to YM Inc., owners of Sirens, Stitches, Urban Planet, and Bluenotes for approximately C$9 million-C$11 million or between USD $8.6-$10.5 million. In a statement Neil Fiske, CEO of Billabong, said, “The sale of West 49 is part of our […]
Business of Fashion this week has put together a fine story on how the surfing industry heavyweights have managed to miss the market on several occasions, resulting in s sagging industry that can’t seem to get out of its own way. Profiling Rip Curl, Billabong, and Quiksilver, it goes back to the history of these […]
Volcom is taking advantage of it’s PPR family by moving into creating a footwear line, including boots, with the assistance of fellow brand Puma. After 22 years of offering sandals only when it came to footwear, the skate, surf, brand is moving into Vans-like territory featuring a range of styles lowtops, hightops, boots, and an […]
So far, limited information is available, but word leaked from the Quiksilver’s Huntington Beach headquarters yesterday, according to Transworld Business, is that it was another grim day for action sports. According to latest news, Quiksilver has cut Quiksilver Women’s, Quiksilver Girls, and DC has cut DC Women’s. In addition, the surf team from Quiksilver has […]