by The Editors on October 8, 2008
America’s core sports mall store Zumiez reported their same store sales were down 9 percent in September according to a story on Forbes.com.
The Everett-based retailer said its same-store sales results were dragged down by poor performance California, Arizona, Florida and Nevada – areas that are among the hardest hit by the nation’s housing market meltdown.
The good news is that net sales were up over last year to $33.6 million. Guess that’s what happens when you keep adding more stores.
[Link: Forbes.com]
by The Editors on October 8, 2008
Wachovia is no longer hyped on Pacific Sunwear. So they’ve knocked the mall retailer down a notch from Outperform to Market Perform
Until now, our thesis had been predicated on improvements in merchandising, coupled with new operating efficiencies. However, we believe the assortment is losing focus, evidenced by too much color overall and an overinvestment in the weak-trending fleece category.
It’s kind of laughable that Wachovia would have any opinions about the market when they can’t even run their own business. But they’re still giving the stock a valuation range of $5-6. PSUN is now trading at $4.98.
[Link: StreetInsider.com]
by The Editors on October 7, 2008
Nearly 3,000 pairs of “fake Vans shoes” were seized by the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation in Pasay City on Monday according to a story on Inquirer.net.
Raided were the sales outlet of Wintelo Merchandising located at Stall S-23, Bagong Milenyo Wholesale Center, F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City. . . . Agents of the NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division also swooped down on the establishment’s stockrooms located at Unit B-43, Bagong Milenyo Wholesale Center; and at the 3rd Floor, LEY Warehouse, Russel Avenue, also in Pasay City.
Sounds like someone missed a bribe payment.
[Link: Inquirer.net]
by The Editors on October 3, 2008
Thanks to “a new mezzanine and high-tech, three-level pick module designed and implemented by Tompkins Associates, Sole Technology is utilizing vertical space, and this “vertical change” has doubled the company’s capacity while increasing processing volume and lowering labor costs” at it’s 315,000 distribution center. God, what a mouthful of business blather that was.
Working with Tompkins Associates, we were able to design and implement a brand new distribution center in 12 months,” added Theo Song, vice president of supply chain at Sole Technology. “The new facility is helping us support our growth needs, as well as better satisfy our customer requirements. The overall process, or implementation, was actually quite smooth, and the new DC is performing well beyond our expectations.”
That warehouse looks pretty impressive, no? We’re guessing these Tompkins Associates people could work wonders with our garage as well. Maybe we should call them.
[Link: Supply & Demand Chain]
by The Editors on October 1, 2008

The Burton Corp wants to sell Analog product so badly they’re willing to exploit a homeless man’s genitalia.
In the October 2008 issue of Blisss magazine, Analog’s ad features a homeless man laying on the front steps of what looks like a church with his pants undone and his penis out. To Analog this is apparently hilarious. “Please Use Buttons,” they joke.
They really should be nicer to him. He’s probably one of the few people in the world who would wear Analog without getting paid.
by The Editors on October 1, 2008
In a move far more fitting for the current business climate Quiksilver has teamed up with Sydney-based fashion designer Sam Elsom to create a limited run of “luxurious, hand-tailored garments for men,” including a suit. When the market’s in shambles go upscale.
The elsom suit is expected to retail for about $1200. The elsom collection will be distributed for sale internationally via Quiksilver shops and will be available as of March 2009. . . Quiksilver’s Men’s designer Ryan Scanlon said he was excited about the collaboration.. . . “Sam (Elsom) is renowned for the understated beauty and simplicity he brings to fashion and his dedication to sourcing the highest quality sustainable textiles is unwavering,” he said.
Wonder what the margins are on this effort?
[Link: News.com.au]
by The Editors on September 29, 2008

We wouldn’t survive without our Gravis Sidearm (best “man sack, seven letters starts with S” in the history of the world). But this whole Black Box line soupped-up by LA style masters The Hundreds looks real smooth, if you don’t mind The Hundreds bomb logos all over your stuff.
It’s been over a year in the making, but the fruits of our labor have come to light, as the Collection is hitting select Gravis retailers worldwide, and is set to drop at both The Hundreds LA and The Hundreds SF on Thursday morning at 11am.
Get in line sneaker kids.
[Link: The Hundreds]
by The Editors on September 29, 2008
We heard about the new Nixon headphones at the ASR show, but the first we’ve seen of the Nixon Master Blaster is on a snowboard website in the UK. Here’s the breakdown on the product:
Step into your own comfortable cone of silence. A patent pending ball and socket construction allows almost limitless range of motion for a completely custom fit. Handcrafted real leather ear cans and headband with lightweight metal speaker cabinets ensure comfort and durability. Add a 50mm dynamic driver delivering crisp, full sound and we’ll bring the noise.
They are listed online for “pre-order” only at a price of £160, which by tomorrow should be about, what, $500?
[Link: The Snowboard Shop]
by The Editors on September 22, 2008

It’s official, Elena Hight the shred who’s been on the Veeco streetwear program since 2005 is now on the Volcom Snow program as they say “from her beanie to the board under her feet.”
The best thing about the Volcom snow team is the family structure and to have such amazing people around me. I love the tight knit program that Volcom has and I feel so fortunate to be able to experience this and have the opportunity to fully embrace it,” stated Elena.
Congrats, Elena. Nice work, Mr. Billy Anderson.
by The Editors on September 22, 2008

We don’t normally pay much attention to things that roll (other than throwin’ bones), but this new collab between UNIV and Ellsworth bikes caught our attention because we need a new bike and frankly, we we’ve never been that down with the fashion fixie crowd. This thing can be shifted and it’s got six inches of travel.
UNIV brings a coastal influence and laid-back outlook to the project, making it a high tech mountain bike for the street. UNIV and Ellsworth worked together for months on the building of the bike and all specifications are to suit the limited collaboration project. The bike had been in discussion for a long time as both brands are located near each other in North San Diego County California. Only six of these bikes will be made and will retail for more than $5000.
Okay, so maybe we won’t be picking one up tomorrow, but that shouldn’t stop you from dropping $5k.
[Link: UNIV]
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