by The Editors on August 12, 2011
Today, Sole Technology owner Pierre André Senizergues, called Shop-Eat-Surf (apparently it’s his favorite shopping, eating, and surfing blog) and told them that he is officially “putting éS on hiatus.” Which is a nice way of saying putting the footwear brand out of its misery.
Sole Tech will deliver éS product through Spring 2012. Then the brand will go on “creative retreat,” Pierre said. . . “At the end of the day, it’s about being ready with the dynamic of economy, being focused and pushing what’s the best,” he said. “And what needs adjustment, you put back in the garage and retool it before relaunching it at the right time.”
Well, that’s one down. Wonder which brand will be the next to “take a break”?
[Link: Shop Eat Surf]
by The Editors on August 12, 2011
Action mall retailer Zumiez announced today that they have named former online jewelry executive Marc Stolzman as their new CFO, according to a story on Marketwatch.
Stolzman, 45, will receive an annual base salary of $310,000 and a potential bonus between 65% and 130% of his base pay, prorated based on his start date, according to the filing. In addition, he will receive stock options worth about $600,000 and restricted stock worth about $300,000, both vesting over a four-year period.
If Stolzman, a former VP at Starbucks, is as good with Zumiez finances as he was with his employment contract the company is going to be in great hands.
[Link: MarketWatch]
by The Editors on August 12, 2011
What do you do after you sell your start-up time keeping company to Billabong for millions of dollars? Well, if you’re business jock (and Nixon co-founder) Andy Laats you spend your spare time with a group called the “Angel Investing Group of San Diego Sports Innovators” looking for daring new action sports companies who can take a little money and turn it into a lot, according to a story in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Attracting the money to fund these new companies is the next step for this group that is headed by former basketball star Bill Walton. The event was held at his house, which is like walking into a rock ’n’ roll, basketball, Grateful Dead overgrown rain forest complete with tennis court and even a teepee. He dragooned his gang — which included Bill Strauss (Provide Commerce), Jeff Jacobs (Qualcomm), Scott Kaplan (XX 1090), Andy Laats (Nixon Watches), Ted Roth (Roth Capital), Jim Morris (private investor) and another 30 investors — who listened to presentations from three action sports companies.
Which reminds us, there is nothing more fun than spending other people’s money.
[Link: San Diego Union-Tribune]
by The Editors on August 12, 2011
Ghetto Juice’s Joe McElroy (former creative director of Nike’s surf brand Hurley) is now creative director at New Jersey based ERGO clothing, according to a retardedly silly press release sent out last night including this quote reportedly from Condalisa Rice.
“Joe Mac has a lush background in the industry, and a creative eye like that bastard who invented sliced bread.”
Oh, you wacky press release writers. This is good news for Joe and great news for ERGO.
by The Editors on August 1, 2011
HDX Hydration Mix has just signed two-time US Open of Surfing champ Brett Simpson to the team.
“I’ve been training and drinking HDX for the past few months,” said Simpson. “I’ve noticed a big difference, not just from being better hydrated, but it also completes my total training regiment mentally and physically. It’s amazing that a drink mix can give me mental clarity and quickly replenish my body during intense training and competition.”
Having tried HDX several times ourselves, we can’t say we disagree with Simpo. Follow the jump for all the details. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on July 29, 2011
Agenda has tightened things up a little when it comes to attendees for their show at The Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, California on August 3-4, 2011. While the show is still free to qualified attendees, pre-registration is required. If you believe you should be there and haven’t registered yet, click here, fill out the form, and then you’ll be notified by email if you’re good to go. This way, you don’t have to show up and beg to get in. Which is better for everyone. Click the link for more info.
[Link: Agenda Show]
by The Editors on July 29, 2011
Action Industry veteran Matt Patterson has reportedly signed on as VP of Marketing and Business Development for SponsorMe. Here’s what Matto has to say about his new employer.
“SME is positioned perfectly to assist action sports brands to bridge the gap between their core and non-core audiences seamlessly and with all the credibility and authenticity they are known for,” said Patterson. “We are living in interesting times, very few small brands have survived this recent economic torpor and most of the exciting new developments are coming from the big guys these days. Red Bull, Monster and Nike are the labels kids are in to and we are finding an ever expanding group of influential taste-makers and culture-vultures that are okay with this new twist. It’s no-longer a sin to be successful and the action sports industry needs a platform that can speak with credibility to this group.”
We’ve never been able to figure out exactly what SponsorMe business model is, and Matto’s explanation doesn’t help much. Follow the jump and see if you can figure it out. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on July 25, 2011
The mad hatters at New Era have announced that they are piling on their “expanding accessories business” to the company’s Orange County, California action sports office, according to CEO Chris Koch.
“It’s imperative that we continue to build a strong bond with our consumers and deliver a cohesive message across current and emerging markets,” Koch said. “We have an aggressive growth plan in motion to cultivate our business beyond our core competencies and in turn better position ourselves as an international lifestyle brand.”
Guess the crew in OC have been doing things proper lately. Follow the jump for the rest. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on July 25, 2011
Thanks to all manner of political intrigue (coups, changing laws, etc. . . ) one of the best waves in the world hasn’t hosted the world’s best surfers for the past three years. Now, thanks to the Volcom Fiji Pro Cloudbreak (and/or Restaurants) will be back on the ASP World Tour starting in 2012 and running through at least 2014.
“We are all very excited about the opportunity to host our first ever ASP World Title event in Fiji,” Richard Woolcott, Volcom CEO, said. “Having the competition at Cloudbreak, or even Restaurants, is a perfect fit with Volcom’s long history with Tavarua. This is a major step in our surfing program and it’s great to be able to support the tour and its athletes with an event in world class surf.”
No major label CEO has spent more time shacked and charging Tavarua’s waves than Wooly so this partnership is the perfect fit. Plus, it will be great to see these waves back on tour where they belong. For the official word, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on July 20, 2011
After seven months of news and S-1 additions and revisions action electronics company Skullcandy (SKUL.O) finally opened today (July 20, 2011) on the NASDAQ.
According to Reuters, Skullcandy raised $188 million dollars and is now valued at $535.6 million. With an IPO price of $20 the stock opened 17 percent up at $23 a share, but by the afternoon it was back down to the $20.30 range.
Rick Alden must be so proud and busy counting all that money. Then again, he may be bummed that that his stock just sat and didn’t triple like Zillow did today.
[Link: Reuters]
Today, Sole Technology owner Pierre André Senizergues, called Shop-Eat-Surf (apparently it’s his favorite shopping, eating, and surfing blog) and told them that he is officially “putting éS on hiatus.” Which is a nice way of saying putting the footwear brand out of its misery.
