by The Editors on January 16, 2009
We don’t know exactly what “junk territory” means out on “the street” but we’re guessing this probably isn’t good news.
Moody’s downgraded retailer Quiksilver Inc. deeper into junk territory Thursday, saying the chain’s weak fourth-quarter performance and reliance on short-term debt makes it especially vulnerable as consumers cut spending.
Then again we always remember what Bob McKnight’s once said: “Analysts: there’s only one letter separating them from what they really are.”
[Link: MSNBC.com]
by The Editors on January 16, 2009
K2 Sports has purchased Zoot, the Kona, Hawaii based maker of triathlon apparel according to a story on Bicycle Retailer.
“We are excited to welcome Zoot to our family,” said Robert Marcovitch, chief executive officer of K2 Sports. “Zoot is a fast-growing brand whose shared dedication to innovation and quality make them a terrific fit for us and we look forward to their continued growth and expansion into new product categories and geographies.”
Apparently, this is another attempt by a seasonal company to break into a opposite season market. Maybe this one will work.
[Link: Bicycle Retailer]
by The Editors on January 15, 2009
Kr3w’s party photos (by Shad [click the link for Lizard’s broken nose photos]) from the Zumiez $100k at Keystone, Colorado would suggest that no matter what else may be going on, the Zumiez kids are still selling a shit-load of product. . . and the girls are still stoked on Lizard King and TK.
[Link: Kr3w]
by The Editors on January 15, 2009
We have friends at Sole Tech and yet, we’re always finding out about their new shoes somewhere else. It’s sad, really. Here’s what Highsnobiety had to say about these new Skate 2 shoes:
Etnies and Electronic Arts Inc. have worked together to bring the etnies GvR skateboarding contest to the Skate 2 video game, and to create an etnies Skate 2 RVM shoe for real world skateboarding. The etnies RVM Skate 2 shoe will be available when the game hits stores late January 2009 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
The look like nice Cabs to us.
[Link: High Snobiety]
by The Editors on January 15, 2009
Nixon hosts an art show with pieces from all their friends: Chivo, Jody Morris, Taylor Dunfee, Marlena Detrick, Steven Neiley, Morgan, Mimi Knoop, The Pirates, Rob Machado, Russ Morland, Tony Ramsell, Cory Shephard, Travis Collier, Chili Thom, Rob Mathis, Mike Jackson, Jody Rogac, Tyler Quarles, Catherine Leslie, Mila Franovic, Calen Knauf, Kevin Rockwell, Tyler Simpson, Phoenix and Caley Vanular .
It all happens January 21, 2009 at the Trunk Gallery, 1755 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1K7
[Link: Nixon]
by The Editors on January 12, 2009
Quiksilver announced today that Marty Samuels, president of Quiksilver Americas has left the company and Craig Stevenson has been named interim President of Quiksilver Americas effective immediately.
Robert B. McKnight, Jr., Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quiksilver, Inc., commented, “I would like to thank Marty for his many contributions to Quiksilver over the last twelve years. Marty was instrumental to our growth during his time here, a period in which we’ve established ourselves as the leading action sports lifestyle company and we will miss him. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
The press release gives no reason for Marty’s departure. Maybe he’s leaving so he can “spend more time with his family.”
[Link: Welt.de]
by The Editors on January 12, 2009
Women’s Wear Daily did a really nice feature profile on Active Ride Shop in their Independent Spotlight section today.
It was so nice that it didn’t even mention any of the problems we’ve all been hearing about since last fall: no mention of the fact that many manufacturers are no longer shipping product to Active, or the rumor that one company spent last fall physically removing product from the stores. The only nod to the realities of the current business climate was this from Active President Shane Wallace:
It’s tough right now. In our 20 years, this is the most interesting and most difficult environment to move in I’ve seen,” Wallace said, adding that he would wait to up the store count until the economy improves or until Active finds an investment partner to help take the chain national. . . Looking toward the new year, Wallace is cautious, but positive. “We’re playing it very conservative for 2009,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t rule out store closings, if needed. “We’ll do what makes sense for our business.”
Yeah, playing it conservative probably isn’t a bad idea at this point.
[Link: Women’s Wear Daily]
by The Editors on January 12, 2009
KISS bassist Gene Simmons is apparently attending the SIA Show with Dussault Apparel founder Jason Dussault to help roll out their new MoneyBag line.
Dussault and Simmons will be showing their latest collaborations of hats and beanies to be released later this year under the MoneyBag(TM) moniker, as well as wallets, belts and luggage. Each item features the Gene Simmons created and designed MoneyBag(TM) logo.
We can’t help but laugh a little, but don’t think we won’t cruise by to see the knight in satan’s service in person, no matter how booty his products sound.
[Link: Money/CNN]
by The Editors on January 8, 2009
On January 13, 2009 Town & Country Surf Designs will release their “one-of-a-kind Obama’s Inaugural Luau” T-shirt according to a story in the Hawaii Reporter.
“The design ties the historic moment of Obama’s inauguration to his roots in Hawaii,” says graphic artist Lani Isherwood, who created the artwork. “It depicts a Hawaiian luau fronting the U.S. Capitol, complete with kalua pig, a poi bowl, fresh island fruits, hula dancers and more. The luau scene represents the truly unique way Hawaii celebrates a milestone.”
The front of the tee features a yellow pineapple and the T&C Surf logo with the word’s “Hawaii’s own” scripted underneath. These luau shirts will be available at T&C Surf stores and retail for $20.
[Link: Hawaii Reporter]
by The Editors on January 8, 2009
Apparently, Hurley swimsuits are big for apres ski. . . sadly this is exactly where snowboarding is headed.
[Link: Rocky Mountain News]
We don’t know exactly what “junk territory” means out on “the street” but we’re guessing this probably isn’t good news. 
