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]
by The Editors on January 8, 2009
Lately there are simply too many doom and gloom retail stories hitting to even try to keep up, so here is this morning’s round up:
And the New Year’s joy continues to roll in.
by The Editors on January 7, 2009
We received reports yesterday that Reef dropped the axe on 42 employees as the savage retail economy continues to take its toll. Reef is one of 25 brands owned by VF Corp. Some of the company’s other brands include Vans, The North Face, 7 For All Mankind, Eastpack, Jansport, Wrangler, and Eagle Creek.
In a late December 2008 interview with TransWorld Business VF Corp’s President Americas Coalition Dave Gatto said:
We all know there can be a huge up-swing when the market recovers; it’s just a matter of adjusting the business responsibly to survive the lulls and hopefully emerge a stronger, more efficient brand.
Looks like Mr. Gatto just “adjusted” the Reef business to survive this lull. Hopefully, that was enough.
by The Editors on January 7, 2009
On December 10, 2008 Blacks Leisure announced they were giving the UK distribution rights to O’Neill back to O’Neill Europe and later mentioned they would find a buyer for their 57 Freespirit and O’Neill boardsports shops. Well, according to a story in the Blacks Leisure the company was unable to find a buyer for the stores.
“The reality is in the current market people aren’t prepared to do a sensible deal,” Neil Gillis, chief executive. . . . He said the fashion of wearing clothing inspired by skateboard and surf culture appeared to have passed. Instead of selling the division, Blacks is preparing to convert the stores to its main brands at a cost of £150,000 a store or £1.5m for the first tranche to be completed this year.
Blame it on skate and surf fashions. Nice.
[Link: Financial Times]
