by The Editors on January 8, 2013
The Agenda Show kicked off their 10th Anniversary year with 550 brands showing, mobs of retailers packing the aisles, Chris Brown, Dr. Dre, and a new partnership with Reed Exhibitions.
Though he may play it down, Agenda Show founder Aaron Levant has finally outgrown his underdog status for good. He’s rolling with the big boys now, and it should come as no surprise that it suits both he and the Agenda Show quite well.
Click here for a photo gallery and you’ll see a little of what we saw during our days in Long Beach, California.
by The Editors on January 6, 2013
Jamie Thomas and Mike West at the LA Dodger’s Stadium Club.
Jamie Thomas, the man who took the legendary Leap of Faith, founded Zero Skateboards, Fallen Footwear, and Black Box Distribution, sits by himself for a moment in the box seats of the LA Dodger’s Stadium Club overlooking the massive construction project that is changing the face of Dodger Stadium. It’s Friday afternoon, January 4, 2013 and while Thomas works his iPhone with tattooed fingers, construction crews on the field below put the finishing touches on the 25-week-long $100 million stadium improvement project. Thanks, Magic Johnson. Behind Thomas, inside the Stadium Club proper, a select crew of skate media, core style shop owners, and employees wait for the rollout presentation of Thomas’ latest collaboration–New Balance Numeric.
The venerable 106-year-old footwear company, famous for its dedication to style, fit, and comfort, is (thanks, to some serious encouragement from Westlife Distribution and 686 founder Mike West) finally pushing into the skate shoe market. New Balance has enlisted Thomas to not only put his skateboarding stamp of approval on every detail, but also to act as Numeric’s distributor.
We all know why New Balance (and West) would want Thomas involved, but our biggest question was why Thomas, who experienced huge success in the early days of his distribution company, would be interested in helping to launch another brand that will likely take a bite out of an already overcrowded skate shoe market. Especially seeing that he already owns one footwear brand, Fallen. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on January 3, 2013
Brixton continues in its march toward surf world domination by signing Florida’s Oliver Kurtz and San Clemente, California’s Tanner Rozunko to the “Brixton Union.”
“Oliver is a very progressive surfer, from big waves to little waves, its always fun to watch him push his surfing,” said Brixton Co-founder and Brand Manager David Stoddard. “He has a strong work ethic, is creative and loves to travel and we’re really looking forward to working with him. . . Tanner is everything Brixton represents,” said Stoddard. “He’s a natural fit and we’re psyched to have such a talented person in the family.”
For the official word, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on January 3, 2013
Quiksilver co-founder and CEO Bob McKnight (picture right with Travis Rice, Kristi McKnight, and Torah Bright), is stepping aside and will be replaced in the CEO and President position on January 11, 2013 by former Disney and Nike executive Andy Mooney.
“This is an exciting time for Quiksilver and me personally as we bring in Andy and his ability to leverage our brands and people with his experience,” said McKnight. “I am very proud of Quiksilver’s many accomplishments and its three global iconic brands, industry leading athletes and gifted team of managers and employees. For the last year, I have worked closely with the Board and a leading executive search firm to identify the best possible candidate to succeed me as President and CEO, and I know Andy is the right choice. Working together, Andy and I will ensure that this transition is seamless for all of our stakeholders and that the company will continue to execute on its strategic priorities to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
McKnight has been named Executive Chairman. For the official word, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on January 2, 2013
Today the Agenda Show has announced that Seth Haber has sold his shares of Agenda to Reed Exhibitions and has left the company to “pursue other interests.” Who is Reed? Well, they’re the trade show big boys.
“In the ten years since we launched AGENDA, we have really seen it grow dramatically from a business standpoint, but more importantly we’ve seen the AGENDA Show evolve in terms of the positive experience and unique environment that our customers expect when they enter one of our shows,” said Aaron Levant founder of the AGENDA Show. “We are really excited to work with a world class exhibition company like Reed. Reed is the global leader in exhibitions with over four hundred fifty events and offices in thirty-six countries. We know Reed is the best because of their truly global view of the tradeshow landscape.”
Congrats to Seth Haber on a smooth (and hopefully lucrative) exit. Follow the jump for the official word.
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by The Editors on January 2, 2013
Where will everyone be this weekend? At the Long Beach Convention Center for the Agenda Trade Show & Berrics Agenda January 4 & 5, 2013. Click here for a list of brands who will be showing all their new stuff (550 at last count) or follow the jump for info on a few of the parties going down in the next few days. It’s going to be good.
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by The Editors on January 2, 2013
The Skateboard Mag and Port are presenting a photo show featuring the work of 10 of magazine’s finest photographers on Friday night (January 4, 2013) in Long Beach, California.
Titled PortFolio, the show features the photographic stylings of Atiba Jefferson, Anthony Acosta, Grant Brittain, Rodent, Dave Swift, Bart Jones, Matt Price, Jeff Landi, Ed Dominick, and Neil Blender.
The show begins at 6 PM. Port is located at 402 St. Louis Ave., Long Beach, California.
by The Editors on January 2, 2013
Absolute Distributors (the people who bring you Penny and Z-Flex Skateboards) will now be distributing some of the finest quality men’s products from Uppercut Deluxe.
Absolute Distributors Founder Ben Mackay said, “Luke and Steve are living legends in the world of barbering and their brand’s explosion within their own scene reminds me a lot of my humble beginnings within the skate industry. When they approached me to work with them as a partner, it was an easy decision not only because Luke, Steve and Kiera are great people, but their products are absolutely fantastic.”
For the official word, follow the jump to see their products in person check out their booth at the Agenda Show in Long Beach. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on December 20, 2012
Calling Billabong’s last year a “blown-out” session would be an understatement. The company has sold off a piece of itself, turned down a good buy-out offer, lost an OK buy-out offer (along with two others), and now is considering another from Billabong America’s Paul Naude.
It’s not exactly the best time for the companies CFO to quit, but that’s what happened last night (December 19, 2012) according to a company update.
Billabong International Limited (Billabong or Company) advises that after seven years’ service with the Company, Craig White, Chief Financial Officer has left the organisation effective today. . . The Company would like to thank Craig for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
In the meantime Peter Bryant, the America’s CFO, will apparently fill in for the global brand while they hunt for a suitable replacement. The release mentioned to reason for White’s sudden departure.
by The Editors on December 20, 2012
Raen, the Encinitas, California based eyewear company has just launched a collaboration with Deus Ex Machina on three classic Raen styles. The Lenox, Squire, and Underwood.
Each handmade piece of eyewear features an exclusive woodgrain matte acetate finish, Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision lenses and custom etched Deus logo details.The limited edition exterior packaging features a motorcycle print designed by Deus Creative Director Carby Tuckwell, as well as a custom eyewear sock and optics case for additional carrying protection.
The new shades retailer for between $117 and $157. Follow the jump to ’em out. [click to continue…]
