by The Editors on March 14, 2013
In celebration of the Thrasher Magazine Death Match (March 15, 2013), Converse is releasing 240 pairs of this “limited-edition” Converse Texas CTS, apparently. Guess Orange is a big color in Texas sporting or something.
Performance features of the Converse Texas CTS include a molded, multi-density Lunarlon drop-in sockliner for extra comfort; abrasion-resistant suede; traction rubber vulcanized sole; and full memory foam in the collar and tongue for a true customized fit. . . Only 240 pairs of the Converse Texas CTS will be exclusively available in Texas and will be sold at Nice Kicks, Tekgnar, and Fast Forward for a suggested retail price of $65.
If only these things had a little, inset, white star on the side. We’d be all over them. Follow the jump for the official details. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on March 13, 2013
Billabong, which doesn’t appear to be in the driver’s seat with much of anything when it comes to its own financial situation, has laid down the law to its two suitors. Paul Naude (and friends) and VF Corp reportedly have until March 28, 2013 to make their final bids, according to a story on The Wall Street Journal. And then Billabong will just, well, they’ll just wait until someone makes them a lower offer later like they did last time. Because as we all know:
Billabong is battling to reverse an earnings decline triggered by the global slowdown, a strong Australian dollar that has diluted overseas income, and the dwindling appeal of its core brands among younger people. Sales in the Americas and Europe have fallen sharply as cautious consumers rein in spending or switch to other brands, leading to a build up of surplus clothing stock.
Aside from all that a deadline is a deadline, damnit!
[Link: The Wall Street Journal]
by The Editors on March 12, 2013
by The Editors on March 12, 2013
Raen Optics, the Encinitas, California based eyewear company is launching their full line of Rx eyewear on March 15, 2013 at Vision Expo East in New York.
“We were seeing many of our friends, ambassadors and artists putting prescription lenses in RAEN frames. It was obvious that we needed to launch our own Rx line,” says Justin Heit, co-founder. “And our benchmarks for the optical line are the same as for our sunglasses—handmade; heartfelt; independent. We’re confident that the quality on offer for this price-point is currently unmatched in the optical market.”
The new frames will hit store on October 15, 2013. Watch for them and follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on March 11, 2013
Kyle Martin, the former Event and Promotions Manager at Bend, Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor resort has been named Dragon’s new snow marketing manager.
“We’re excited to have Kyle as part of our team,” says Rick Irons, Dragon’s Global Brand Manager. “His perspective as a rider is critical, and we’re excited to see what kind of fresh ideas he will bring.”
For the official word from Dragon, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on March 8, 2013
For the quarter ended January 31, 2013 Quiksilver’s revenue dropped four percent, they lost $31.1 million dollars and their share price dipped eight percent, according to a story on Bloomberg Businessweek.
Quik CEO Andy Mooney said revenue was hurt by closing underperforming stores, weak wholesales sales and weakness in the Americas . . Late Thursday, Mooney said the company is making progress restructuring its organizational structure and streamlining its supply chain. . . “We believe these actions will help lay the foundation for improved operational results.”
While posting this we had to ask ourselves if we even care how Quiksilver is doing. And the short answer is, no, at this point we don’t. Do you?
[Link: Bloomberg Business]
by The Editors on March 7, 2013
Since 2011 when etnies decided to plant a tree for every pair of Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree shoes they sold more than 200,000 trees have been planted in Costa Rica and Brazil. And now, they have a website that explains it all at http://etnies.com/buyashoeplantatree.
By visiting the new Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree microsite on etnies.com, customers can learn how the program works and see how many trees have been planted so far, including their own tree contribution, through the live tree-planting counter. Also, the site’s timeline breaks down the program year-by-year showing, through videos, photography and descriptive text, how this initiative has helped replenish devastated forest communities.
For the official word from etnies, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on March 5, 2013
With all that’s been going on with Billabong and Quiksilver lately, it probably isn’t the best time for Rip Curl to find a $400 million buyer and the owners have reportedly abandoned the sale, or at least that’s what co-founder Brian “Sing Ding” Singer is telling The Australian.
“I doubt (the sale) is going to happen,” Singer said. . . “The public market looks like a bit of a cesspit at the moment. . . But Mr Singer, who set up Rip Curl with Torquay surfing buddy Doug “Claw” Warbrick in 1969, said a sale was still on the longer-term agenda. . . He predicted the founders would exit “at some point in the next few years”.
Then again, if someone were to offer them $400 million right now, we’re guessing they take it.
[Link: The Australian]
by The Editors on March 5, 2013
![Freewaters Image 2[2]](http://www.boardistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Freewaters-Image-22-tm.jpg)
Casual and conscious footwear makers’ Freewaters (makers of these rad Freewaters + Therm-a-rest flips) has just signed up Charleston, South Carolina’s Groundswell PR to handle all their media relations and brand communications.
“Finding business partners that genuinely share our values is always our priority and we are thrilled to welcome Groundswell PR to our extended family.” says Freewaters Co-founder Eli Marmar. “Groundswell brings core competencies across boardsport, outdoor and fashion lifestyle which is highly unique and a perfect fit for our brand.”
For the official word from Freewaters, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on March 4, 2013
Quiksilver today announced today (March 4, 2013) that they’ve hired former Nike Global Brand Director Tom Hartge as Global Head of Footwear and former Lands’ End SVP, Global Sourcing Kasey Mazzone as Global Head of Supply Chain. Here’s what President and CEO Andy Mooney has to say about the changes.
“We are centralizing key functions and responsibilities across Quiksilver, Roxy and DC in order to strengthen our brands, grow sales and drive operational efficiencies,” said Andy Mooney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quiksilver, Inc. “Both Tom and Kasey bring world class expertise to their respective roles, as well as extensive experience with global brands. These appointments, along with Pierre’s new role and the addition of a Chief Marketing Officer, will make our company more competitive and are key elements in our evolution from a regional management structure to a global structure with experienced leaders guiding each key functional area of the company.”
Guess this is all part of Quik’s recent reorganization. For the official word from Quik, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
![Freewaters Image 2[2]](http://www.boardistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Freewaters-Image-22.jpg)
