by The Editors on November 2, 2012
It was two years ago today (November 2, 2010) that the social media world began passing messages that the unthinkable had happened. Three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons had died, alone in a Dallas, Texas hotel room while traveling home to Hawaii from the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico. The entire surf world was stunned, shocked, and heartbroken and in many ways we still are today.
Andy Irons touched so many lives in so many different ways. And, Billabong is working to keep AI’s memory alive and to support to his widow and son.
Out of respect and acknowledgement of Andy’s legacy we continue to dedicate the Billabong Pipe Masters in his memory. . . Billabong is also proud to announce the new global AI Forever collection for release in Summer 2013 in stores and online March 15, in the USA. Proceeds from the AI Forever line will go toward ongoing guaranteed support for Andy’s wife Lyndie and young son Axel.
That’s how you take care of family. Nice work, Billabong.
by The Editors on November 2, 2012
Thanks to a strong dollar (hard to believe we know) Rip Curl is getting yanked into the same undertow that’s been chewing on Billabong for the past 10 months, according to a story in the Herald Sun.
The prominent Victorian company is being buffetted by the strong dollar and weak consumer sentiment and will start to cut jobs and close stores overseas. . . BusinessDaily can reveal Rip Curl, which is privately owned, suffered a net loss of $4.1 million for the year to June. A year ago, it recorded a $7.9 million profit, and three years ago its profit clocked in above $30 million. . . Finance director Lachlan Farran said the group had shouldered one-off costs for a European restructure and to meet accounting rules linked to its purchase of the Ozmosis and Waves brands.
Guess this wave of bad news is continuing to roll.
[Link: Herald Sun]
by The Editors on November 1, 2012
The newest designs in the IVI Vision family or now up and available for holiday purchase on the IVI website. Us, we’re partial to the Blood Orange because they’re tasty delicious.
[Link: IVI Vision]
by The Editors on November 1, 2012
You wouldn’t expect Vans to be the presenting sponsor of the new hit Stacy Peralta documentary The Bones Brigade: An Autobiography without getting the clothing and footwear licensing deals out of it would you? No. You wouldn’t. And you’d be right.
In celebration of the highly-anticipated new documentary from Vans’ first sponsored skateboarder, Stacy Peralta, Vans offers a limited Vans x Bones Brigade footwear and apparel collection available now at finer skate shops and Vans retail stores worldwide.
You can load up on all the Bones Brigade 2012 official gear at www.vans.com/bonesbrigade. They also have some social media friendly games to play on the page as well. Think of it as one more reason to give VF Corp more of your money.
by The Editors on October 31, 2012
Herschel Supply Co. has teamed up with Spy on two signature goggles and bag packages: The Platoon and The Marshall.
“We worked closely with the crew at Herschel Supply Co. to create two collaborative goggles that are as technical as they are timeless,” says Brent Sandor, SPY brand manager. “Dreaming up one of the cleanest design details we’ve ever seen—a pop of Herschel Supply Co.’s signature red on the lens groove of the goggle—this frame is visually distinct from anything else out there. They also built a bag that’s as unique as it is functional. Only Jamie [Cormack] and the crew at Herschel Supply Co. would have put this much thought into every aspect.”
The Platoon retails for $159.95 and the Marshall is just $129.95. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 30, 2012
It seems it was only a matter of time. Jason Jesse has been wearing these clothes, riding these bikes, shooting these guns, and sporting this style since long before Brixton was even a brand. Might as well put a couple logos on him.
“Jason is an inspiration to people inside and outside of skateboarding,” said Brixton co-founder and Brand Manager David Stoddard. “He brings a rich heritage to the Brixton family and we are honored to be working with him.”
“I feel right at home on Brixton,” said Jessee. “I’m into everything they’re into, so it’s very comfortable. I wear two hats and a lot of clothes and their stuff rules so I am fully stoked on being a part of this.”
Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 25, 2012
by The Editors on October 25, 2012
Amer Sport the Helsinki, Finland based parent company of Salomon, Bonfire, and Nikita reported their financials for the quarter ending September 2012. Profits appeared flat versus 2011 with net sales increased by two percent, and unfortunately winter hardgoods sales were down by 12 percent, according to Marketwatch.
“Our Q3 sales were driven by strong on-going momentum in Apparel (27% growth), as well as continuous improvement in Suunto (+24%), Fitness (10%), Tennis (+8%) and Cycling (+7%),” said Keikki Takala, president and CEO of Amer Sport. “As expected, Winter Sports Equipment declined in line with the previously communicated low pre-orders, despite our strengthened market position.”
Guess their trouble in winter sports equipment is old news. For the official word and all the numbers click the link.
[Link:Marketwatch]
by The Editors on October 24, 2012
No one expected Billabong founder Gordon Merchant would go away quietly, but it was interesting to see him sink nearly AUS$800,000 more into the company by snapping up 900,058 shares last week. This new stock, purchased in two buys on October 18 and 19, 2012, brings his total holdings to 69,705,463 shares or AUS$59,946,698.18 worth (maybe he need them to increase his voting power).
At Billabong’s Annual General Meeting today (October 24, 2012 on the Gold Coast) Merchant was re-elected to the board by a vote of 198 million for to 92 million against. Collette Paull was re-elected by a vote of 197 million for to 92 million against. The closest board re-election race was Billabong US President Paul Naude. He slipped back onto the board with 160 million for and 129 million against suggesting that more than a few shareholders are not happy with his performance on the board.
For the official word from Billabong featuring that addition of Howard Mowlem to the board and the complete Annual General Meeting voting stats, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 23, 2012
Here’s the short version: Analog is going snow and moving back to Burlington. The snow team will stay, but the skate and surf teams will be “transitioned out of the brand”. Gravis is moving to Tokyo and going Asia only as a lifestyle brand. The team will be “restructured to accommodate” that market. Helmet’s and optics will be combined under the Anon brand (with some Red still being produced). Burton will “exit out of” The Program brands (Special Blend, Forum, and Four Square) by 2014 (good-bye). Burton has operated the brands for eight years yet, “the businesses have failed to be viable.” In the surf world Channel Islands and it’s team remain unaffected.
Here’s what founder Jake Burton Carpenter has to say about it:
“Burton has experienced several years of income growth since the recession and paid out bonuses to employees over the last two years,” said Jake. “That said, the economy has a voice of its own that we all have to listen to, and the message is clear: do what you do best and focus purely on it. In our case, that means to narrow our focus to the sport and lifestyle that got us here – snowboarding. We will continue to support Channel Islands in its endeavor to make the best surfboards in the world and Gravis in its new home in Japan, but when you walk through the front door here in Burlington, Vermont, it will be all snowboarding and snowboarding lifestyle all the time – driven by the Burton, Analog and anon brands.”
Sound like a good plan all around and honestly, we can’t believe it took them so long with Gravis and the Program. Burton went far beyond a reasonable investment in many of their brands and should be commended for trying to make them work in spite of market response.
Follow the jump for the official word an complete breakdown of the changes. [click to continue…]
