With all the coverage today regarding Shaun White Supply Co. and it’s soon-to-launch signature line of China crap we were surprised that no one mentioned the one new Shaun product that is made here in America: toilet paper.
Shaun White may wipe his ass with crisp hundred dollar bills, but it’s comforting to know that he understands that the other 99 percent of us don’t. That’s apparently why he’s reportedly releasing his new triple-ply line of Shaun Wipe Xtreme bathroom tissue.
Rumor has it that he will roll out (and demonstrate) his new personal hygiene product immediately prior to his vert run in the Caffeinated High Fructose Corn Syrup Championships presented by Go Kill Elephants Daddy in Las Vegas the weekend of October 13-16, 2011. And seriously, we can’t wait to watch him wipe out the competition.
It’s not all bad news in the action mall retail sector. Zumiez shares were up 6% today after the company released strong September sales numbers according to a story on Forbes.com.
The mall-based retailer reported Wednesday that sales last month surged 18.3% to $52.9 million (from $44.7 million a year ago), and comparable store sales were up 10.1%. . . More importantly the company bumped its third-quarter earnings forecast to between 40 and 41 cents per share, from previous guidance of 37 to 39 cents. Wall Street’s consensus estimate calls for earnings of 39 cents per share.
There’s a lot of goodness in Ashland, Oregon and we’re not just talking free Lithium water in Lithia Park. Now, it would appear that we can add new skate shoes to the Ashland mix, thanks to industry vet Travis Matsdorf’s new footwear company Praxis.
The inaugural Praxis product collection will be unveiled in early December and hit select shops, both in the US and internationally, in May 2012. . . “We’re thrilled for the Praxis brand launch.” says Matsdorf. “We will promote uniqueness on a global level through a meaningful and heartfelt service effort with our retail partners. We believe this will lay the foundation for a special brand experience that will excite and engage the end consumer.”
With 10 years directing sales at iPath, we’re guessing Matsdorf knows what’s up. Will be interesting to see what he and the team have planned. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
Larry Stevenson’s Makaha Skateboards company was the originator of the kicktail. On the list of skateboarding innovations only the urethane wheel may have had a more important impact. And now, I.E. Distribution (parent company of World Industries) has picked up a “multi-year” license agreement to produce skateboarding prouducts with the brand.
“We’re pleased to be working with the Makaha people,” John Dickinson, i.e. distribution President. “While planning our growth in the longboard and cruiser category we felt it best to work with a brand that has roots in the culture. We feel that no other brand better accomplishes that but the original professional skateboard brand, Makaha.”
A documentory titled Makaha: The Story of the Originator will be released in the spring of 2012. Nice to see an legacy brand continue on as a real skateboarding company. Follow the jump for the official word from I.E. [click to continue…]
“It’s been a great run over at Blitz Distribution with Per and everyone there,” said Baker CEO Andrew Reynolds. “I want to thank them all for everything they have done for me and Baker over the years and also for helping me bring Baker Home.”
Blitz President Per Welinder is obviously proud of the part his company played in the development of the Baker brand:
“With Baker I’m happy to see that Blitz has once again been a contributor to the worldwide success of a skate brand, and I am certain BBD will do a great job carrying the Baker torch moving forward,” Welinder said. “With Baker departing Blitz will continue in its tradition of incubating and distributing brands and will now focus its efforts on the growth in the Sk8Mafia and JSLV brands in particular.”
Not to be outdone by the Los Angeles Taco Trucks, New York City now has its own mobile skateboard shop thanks to Alex Ritondo and the Tre Truck, according to a story on NYSkateboarding.
If you’ve been around Chelsea, LES, Astoria or Tribeca lately you’ve probably seen the Tre Truck mobile skate shop. Tre Truck is New York City’s first mobile skateboard shop. Featuring a walk-to window and display case, they carry over 30 brands selected by seasoned professionals.
Follow them on Twitter or facebook to keep up with the latest.
It appears that the spin on the revolving door at the Hurley CEO office as once again slowed as Nike names former VF Corp. apparel veteran Michael Egeck to head up the surf brand.
Egeck, 52, brings nearly 30 years of experience to Hurley. His most recent assignment prior to coming to Hurley was as President of True Religion Brand Jeans. Prior to that, Egeck was at VF Corporation where he served as President of VF Contemporary Coalition and CEO for Seven for All Mankind. Egeck also served as President of the VF Outdoor and Action Sports Coalition, leading an extensive brand portfolio including Vans, Reef, Jansport, The North Face, Eastpak and Napapijri. In addition, Egeck also served as President of The North Face, Inc. and GM of Columbia Sportswear.
Sounds like Mr. Egeck (who will report to Roger Wyett) has a pretty good handle on the clothing business. Follow the jump for the entire press release. [click to continue…]
It would appear that Bonnier Corp’s rocketing TransWorld Business print successes have inspired others to dive in on the recession fueled trade advertising bonanza.
ASM will reportedly feature these novel ideas:
Timely coverage will offer insight into what’s on snow, skate and surf retailers’ radar at the moment and into the future. A cross section of contributing writers lending their voice to the magazine come from throughout the industry, including reps, brands, shop owners and managers, along with retail business consultants, marketing and social media professionals, merchandising specialists, reputable writers and others.
While ASM Publisher Jay Driscoll has been in the trade show business since 1999 neither he nor editor Heather Fried appear to have any experience in the action sports business. While that may be a good thing, it is difficult to imagine a scenario in which ActionSports Merchandising will find success (even with Yea.Nice co-founder Josh Sherman selling ads). Nation Business Media, however, appears to be optimistic.
Nothing says skateboarding like a nice, smooth glass of Kenny Likitprakong’sHobo Wine. Will be interesting to see what Dylan Rieder and Thunder Trucks adds to the mix. Let’s just hope it’s not a cab.
Last night (Wednesday, September 21, 2011) the San Mateo County Harbor Commission reportedly awarded the Mavericks event permit to Jeff Clark, Cassandra Clark, and Kenny “Skindog” Collins’ Mavericks Invitational Inc, according to a story in the San Jose Mercury News.
If conditions are right, the contest will occur sometime between Dec. 1 and March 30, which gives the group some time to corral sponsors and deliver on its promise to stage an epic surf event that draws thousands of spectators to the coast — but keeps them away from the beach and dangerous bluffs. . . “It’s been a long time coming to get back in as contest director,” Clark said. “We’re looking forward to putting on an amazing event.”
Hopefully, when the sponsors get involved we won’t see a historical repeat. Seems like once down that over-blown road is enough.