Welcome to the Board Retailers Association (BRA) website. Below you will find helpful and relevant articles that we carefully curate for the benefit of our BRA Retail Members three or four times per week. Be sure to scroll through the most recent articles or use the Search/Lookup feature in the Menu above to find topics and keywords related to recent and not-so-recent articles that may help you lower costs, increase margins, or create more remarkable customer experiences. We deliberately made this our site landing page to demonstrate our commitment to “Protecting Retailers and a Lifestyle” for over 20 years (since 2003).
Be sure to visit the About Us, Retail Member Benefits and Join pages on this site to learn more about and benefit from our resourceful nonprofit trade association committed to helping board specialty, outdoor specialty, and lifestyle specialty retailers to survive, thrive, and keep “the special in specialty” for free.
“Why industry data is important for specialty retailers plus insightful interview with George Leichtweis (BRA Chairman and Owner of Modern Skate & Surf)” via Trackfly blog
https://youtu.be/49AXHi3Ie40 Push play to listen to this insightful interview of George The begining of Modern Skate and Surf MARKGeorge, could you tell me a little bit about the history of Modern Skate and Surf, you've been around since 1979 is that right?...
“The 11 Most Frequent Forms of Retail Employee Fraud” by Arick Wierson via The Robin Report
Let’s be honest – when it comes to retail fraud, the online world grabs all the attention – and probably justifiably so. Last year, losses stemming from internet shopping scams and duplicity approached $400 million, according to statistics from the Better Business...
“Gen AI and the Top Fraud Trends Retailers Can’t Ignore This Holiday Season” by James Bruni via Total Retail
Credit: iStock.com by iStock.com As retailers leverage online shopping options for busy customers this holiday season, they’re finding that industry-wide, sales are up (and continuing to rise), and the industry is expected to exceed $6 trillion in sales this...
“5 Reasons Your Store Should Shred the Digital Marketing Pipeline plus view on-demand webinar and access special resource guide right here” by Natalie Gowen of Moxie Tonic
Let me guess, you’d rather be on your board than thinking up marketing schemes. Want the secret to getting back outside? A solid digital marketing pipeline. With marketing in place, you can rest easy that customers are going to find your store, find their gear,...
“CSEF Awards $90,000 in College Scholarships to 35 Skateboarders” via Press Release on Shop Eat Surf
PRESS RELEASES | Published Oct 3, 2024 The College Skateboarding Educational Foundation (CSEF) has officially awarded $90,000 in college scholarships to 35 skateboarders studying in the U.S. in this year’s scholarship class. While skateboarders pursuing college...
“Paul Kobriger—Skateboard Lifer, Artist, and Sixes and Sevens (BRA Retail Member) Shop Owner” by Blair Alley via TWS
Screen shot from YouTube video New episode of CORE shows the talent and dedication of one of skateboarding's most dedicated skateshop owners You ought to know Paul Kobriger from his many years of working in the skateboard industry. From TransWorld to CCS to...
“Enhancing Accessibility: Guide for Retailers to Create Inclusive Shopping Experiences” by Cameron Ward via Guest Blog
Image via Freepik Retail businesses stand at the forefront of innovation in our digital age – not just for what they sell but also how they sell. Creating an accessible shopping experience is paramount to embracing diversity and ensuring everyone, regardless of their...
“Outdoor Retailer To Move to One June Show Per Year” by Tiffany Montgomery via The Daily & ShopEatSurf.com
Photo by Keith Fearnow, courtesy of Outdoor Retailer. Outdoor Retailer is announcing some big news today – they are moving to one annual show in June rather than having two shows each year. That means OR November 2024 will not stage in a few months. The Daily asked...
“How to Greet Customers in Retail Stores and Keep Them Engaged” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
The first few seconds of a customer’s visit to a retail store are critical to setting the tone for their entire shopping experience. Too often, store associates miss this opportunity to create a lasting impression because they’re distracted or unsure how to engage....
“Retailers Applaud DOJ Antitrust Suit Over Visa Debit Card Practices” by Joe Keenan via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by RUNSTUDIO The National Retail Federation (NRF) welcomed a lawsuit announced Tuesday by the Department of Justice accusing Visa of violating federal antitrust law in its debit card practices but said the card network’s anticompetitive...
“B.R.A. MEMBER FLEECE SPECIAL from GLOBAL WAVE VENTURES” by Dave Seehafer via GWV Blog
FLEECE SPECIAL FOR B.R.A. MEMBERS now thru end of September 2024 50% FREIGHT DISCOUNT ON ALL FLEECE ORDERS FLEECE PRODUCT INFO IS ATTACHED! FLEECE SPECIAL FOR B.R.A. MEMBERS now thru end of September 2024 CALL DAVE SEEHAFER, 949-466-4110 for more...
“Nike Downsizes Annual ‘Just Do It’ Day This Year” by Shoshy Ciment via Footwear News
Drake hosting the 2022 Nike Maxim Award Show at JDI Day in Beaverton, Ore. CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike Nike Inc. will not be celebrating its annual “Just Do It” Day, an employee-focused celebration on its Beaverton, Ore. campus, in the same way this year as in years...
“Caity Simmers Releases Behind-the-Scenes Look at Her Maiden World Title” by Evan Quarnstrom via The Inertia
Ever since Caity Simmers burst on to the scene with an ISA Junior gold medal in 2018, it was clear that she was destined for greatness. Her flow, commitment, style, and demeanor (reminiscent of John John and Dane, many pundits said) were lightyears beyond...
“Retailing and Partnering With Nonprofits: How to Start a Fundraising Program and Make a Difference” by Jon Biedermann via TR plus a list of BRA Community Partners (we suggest collaborating with at least two annually)
How to Start a Fundraising Program and Make a Difference | Credit: Getty Images by Peter Dazeley In today's world, retail companies are faced with intense competition and are constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves from their competitors. One way to...
“The flashy and painful parts” by Cole Nowicki via Simple Magic
One thing that is certain is the uncertainty of our shared history, especially in the online age. Like a scar or a gaudy gold ring, the past only exists if we carry it with us and show it to everyone we can. There have always been those who’d rather not, instead,...
“17 Ways Your Store Might Be Driving Customers Away” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Have you ever walked into a retail store and thought, "Yikes, I hope my shop doesn't look like this?" We've all been there. Store owners sometimes get so caught up in day-to-day operations that they overlook things that are probably less relevant to their most loyal...
“Shoppers’ online fraud fears escalate” by Patrick Cooley via Retail Dive
Fraud involving stolen credit cards is now a top concern of consumers, according to a recent survey from Experian. Joe Raedle / Staff via Getty Images Four in five consumers are worried about identity theft or someone stealing their credit card numbers, according to...
“The Retention Revolution: How Retailers Can Turn the Tide on Employee Exodus” by Sheila Stafford via Total Retail
High turnover rates and staffing challenges have long characterized the retail industry. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found the average rate of retail employee turnover to be around 60 percent in the U.S. — far exceeding the national average by a...
“Unlocking Inbound Shipping Success: 5 Must-Have Resources to Overcome Your Challenges” by Leah Palnick via PartnerShip plus expanded BRA Shipping Program Benefit for DRMs
When you think about how to optimize your shipping operations, the freight you receive from vendors might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, you have more control over your inbound shipping than you may realize, and when you have the right resources...
“Mastering the Margins: How to Price for Profitability in Retail” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
I recently asked my Facebook fans what price they would retail an item for if they purchased it for $50. I had answers ranging from $200 to $83.50 with all kinds of reasoning, like someone trying to be funny: "It depends on if the moon is full or not." But making...
“Kelly Slater Gets Heartfelt Homage in ‘GROM to GOAT’” by Cooper Gogan via The Inertia
The WSL paid tribute to the GOAT with a heartfelt Kelly Slater career retrospective. Photo: WSL // YouTube It’s hard to overstate Kelly Slater’s dominance in the sport of surfing. He’s won the championship 11 times and holds the distinction of being both the...
“Why Next Gens Buy During Times of Cautious Spending” by Jasmine Glasheen via The Robin Report
If you haven’t been bombarded by statistics about next-gen cautious shopping behavior lately, then you’re probably in a news blackout orbiting around our planet on SpaceX alongside its overlord, Elon. The statistics are everywhere. What isn’t reported, however, is a...
“Untailing: The Latest in Sales Prevention” by Warren Shoulberg via The Robin Report
In the beginning, when you went into a store, a salesclerk took your order and returned some time later from the back room with your items for purchase. You handed over cash, he wrapped your order, and you went on your way. There were no issues about retail theft or...
“Co-founder of IPATH on Reinvigorating an Established Brand” interview conducted by Maria Contino via Shop Eat Surf
Brian Krauss, co-founder of IPATH. Courtesy of IPATH Maria Contino of Rosenthal & Rosenthal sits down with Brian Krauss, co-founder of IPATH, the iconic skate brand slated to make a major comeback later this year. The two talk about changes in the...
“How the Streetwear Customer Is Evolving” by Lei Takanashi via The Business of Fashion
Customers shopping at Supreme's store in Shanghai. (Getty Images) Streetwear is by no means dead, but its customers are changing. Today they’re embracing a diverse wardrobe that mixes logo T-shirts with heritage brands and traditional menswear or luxury. KEY...
“Rising Retail Pricing Pressures Mandate an Elevated Emphasis on Cost Reduction Strategies” by Ryan Swiderski via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by vittaya25 Despite recent progress in reducing inflation, prices are still high and consumers remain under pressure. Excess savings accumulated during the pandemic have been depleted for a substantial part of the population and credit card...
“Motivation Beyond Paying Retail Sales Commission: 3 Ways To Get Employees To Sell” by Bob Phibbs via Retail Doctor Blog
How to motivate retail employees … It’s a subject retailers routinely ask about. My answer is always the same: You don’t. That might sound strange to hear from a motivational speaker, so let me explain. You can try to motivate a retail employee with...
“Here’s What Lahaina Looks Like One Year After the Devastating Wildfires” by Alexander Haro via The Inertia
The town of Lahaina, one year after a wildfire tore through it. Photo: YouTube//Screenshot In the first weeks of August, 2023, fires broke out on the island of Maui. It was clear very quickly that they would be bad, and bad they were. By August 8, officials...
“The Benefits of Entering Purchase Orders as Soon as You Write Them” by Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys
Entering purchase orders is one of the tasks most retailers hate doing. Just thinking about working on it is already exhausting, especially since most retailers want to be on the sales floor with customers. However, you might not realize that having all your...
“Surf Participation Could Get a Boost from Gabriel Medina’s Viral Olympic Moment” by Kate Robertson via Shop Eat Surf
The surf competition at the 2024 Olympics takes place at Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia. Photo by Azathoth Pics / Stock.adobe.com. Gabriel Medina’s name hit the mainstream this week, reaching far beyond the surf community during the surf competition at the Paris...
“SKATESHOP (2021) Movie review” by BRA Executive Director Doug Works plus view trailer & full movie here
MOVIE INFO A group of skaters unite to save their local skateshop. Genre: Comedy Original Language: English Director: Ryan Peimer, Sarah Tang, Zack Whyel Producer: Curt Braden, Jerod Jacobs, Sarah Tang Writer: Zack Whyel...
“Retail Team Rewards (Hint: It’s Not Just Money)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Retail managers must find effective ways to motivate teams and celebrate their successes to maintain high performance and meet sales goals. Only when you can answer an associate's internal question, "What's in it for me?" can you move the needle of higher conversions....
“SVP Spotlight – 4 Strategies to Find the Right Hire plus 40% off job postings for BRA Retail Members” by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)
Hiring in retail is tricky. As a result, the good people behind Outdoor Industry Jobs are often asked about best practices for getting good candidates, and they wanted me to share the following 4 possible strategies to help find and hire top talent: Brag. A...
“Gift Cards and the Age of Customer Loyalty” by Sam Lituchi via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Adem Percem Increasing customer loyalty is always top of mind for retailers. Loyal customers spend more money at their favorite businesses, patronize shops more often, and promote the brands they love to other consumers in their networks. To...
“Product Picks from the Floor of Outdoor Retailer Summer” by Cameron Martindale via The Daily
Photos by Cameron Martindell for The Daily. There was lots of great gear at the Outdoor Retailer Summer show. The Daily’s gear expert, Cameron Martindell, cruised the aisles to find the products that stood out. At Outdoor Retailer Summer this June, I visited...
“7 Ways to Upgrade Your Retail Store Without Moving” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
I've seen a common misconception in my experience with retail transformations, including recent showroom makeovers with an outdoor power equipment store, a window fashions retailer, and a beverage store chain. Retailers...
“Industry Veterans Weigh In on Sole Tech’s Legacy” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Clockwise from top left: Sole Tech Founder Pierre André Senizergues; head of marketing Don Brown; Pierre with former longtime Sole Tech exec Yasemin Oktay Hume. Far left photo courtesy of Sole Tech; others, SES file photos. Sole Technology has been an important part...
“Office Depot Exclusive BRA Member Savings Program now available for all BRA Regular (no cost) and all BRA Distinguished Retail Members plus video elaborating on this outstanding Member Benefit” by Doug Works, BRA Executive Director
The Mission of Board Retailers Association is to consolidate the voices, the experiences and the visions of Board Specialty Retailers into a cohesive organization. We do this by identifying ways to lower day to day expenses, to increase profit margins and to create...
“AI in the Aisles: 3 Easy Ways Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Can Increase Profitability Now” by via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by bluecinema Consumers accustomed to the autonomy of online shopping are often disappointed when they walk into physical stores, only to find that a retailer hasn’t updated its store experience to match new digital-inspired shopping habits....
“Meet the Skaters Representing Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding
@cortez With the Paris 2024 Olympics right around the corner, things are officially starting to heat up. The stage is set and we're stoked to announce all the ripping skaters who will be repping Team USA this summer. Nyjah Huston, Chris Joslin, Jagger Eaton, Tom...
“How Retailers Have Been Lured Onto the E-Commerce Battlefield” by Michael Provenzano via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Hinterhaus Productions Amazon.com has been successful with many unusual strategies over the years, but one of the company’s most recent wins has been convincing retailers to undervalue their physical assets and focus on trying to compete in the...
“Summer Action Steps That Prep Retailers for a Holiday Blizzard of Sales” by Bob Phibbs via the Retail Doctor Blog
Christmas in July. We’ve all heard the phrase as a marketing slogan, but Planning Ahead for Successful Holidays is a better concept. By strategizing early, you can ensure your store is prepared to meet customer demands, optimize inventory, and create memorable...
“9 Core Skate Shops You Need to Visit in San Diego” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding
Sixes and Sevens new location in Oceanside Skate shops are often the pillar of local skate scenes across the globe and are always going above and beyond to do great things for their communities. And while "core" shops exist all over the world, it's no surprise...
“U.S. Ski and Snowboard, X Games Announce Partnership” by Cooper Gegan via The Inertia
Photo: Joshua Duplechian / X Games U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games just announced they are collaborating to create The Winter X Games Series. The newly minted series will include U.S. Ski & Snowboard World Cup events, the Toyota U.S....
“Foot Locker’s new loyalty program lets shoppers redeem points for cash, sneaker access” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive
The Sneaker Hub in Foot Locker’s new store concept is a space where shoppers can customize the laces of their new shoes, pick up online orders or sign up for the loyalty program. Courtesy of Foot Locker, Inc. A new mobile app will join the refreshed FLX Rewards...
“Integrating Offers: How Omnichannel Coupons Can Transform Your Retail Strategy” by Jimmy Doheny via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by sdominick The fusion of digital and physical shopping experiences is a strategic imperative in today’s retail environment. Omnichannel coupon experiences embody this fusion, allowing retailers to seamlessly connect with customers across...
“Hubi’s Surf Atlas and Wiilder Adventures & Animals A-Z Book Review” plus OR Summer giveaway by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)
Last Summer, I started noticing a few Instagram posts from a number of our Retail Members including BRA Distinguished Retail Member Hansen Surf Shop in Encinitas and a number of outdoor adventure shop members about this interesting surf adventure book for kids called...
“The Olympics Will Show the World How Important Home Field Advantage Is in Surfing” by Evan Quanstrom via The Inertia
Vahine Feirro on her way to victory at Teahupo’o. Photo: Ed Sloane//WSL No surf fan was surprised when Vahine Fierro won last month’s historic Tahiti Pro. Fierro was raised on the detonating Teahupo’o barrels that can send chills through the spines of many...
“SVP Spotlight – How can Earthpack help you to take action to reduce your carbon footprint beyond Earth Day with shop-branded recycled and reusable shopping bags and other sustainable packaging needs?” + request your free sample kit by Doug Works via BRA
Most of you embrace and celebrate Earth Day, but what do you do to reduce your carbon footprint beyond Earth Day? Who can help you with shop-branded recycled and reusable shopping bags and other sustainable packaging needs? Founded by Dave Bock in 1989 in Irvine,...
“Revenue and Loyalty: The Power of Personalized Financing Options” by Yaacov Martin via Total Retail
In today's competitive retail landscape, providing a seamless customer experience is no longer enough. Consumers and businesses increasingly seek flexible and personalized financial solutions at the point of sale (POS). Since 2018, POS lending products have...
“Hawaiian Airlines Turns Old Life Vests Into Surfing Dry Bags” by Juan Hernadez via The Inertia
Not the worst idea, actually. Photo: Hawaiian Airlines Believe it or not, those inflatable airline life vests flight attendants are forced to perform weird presentations with have an expiration date. While the lifespan of your typical vest is (according to the...
“Workers at TJ Maxx and Marshalls are wearing police-like body cameras. Here’s how it’s going” by Nathaniel Meyersohn via Retail Dive
Retailers like TJ Maxx are turning to body cameras to keep stores safe. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File New YorkCNN — Hourly retail security workers are now wearing police-like body cameras at major stores. Retail giant TJX, the parent...
“NRF: Father’s Day Spending to Total $22.4B” by Melissa Campanelli via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by andresr Father’s Day spending is expected to reach $22.4 billion this year, according to an annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This is the second...
“Olympic Surfing 101: Everything to Know Before Paris 2024” by Dashel Pierson via Surfer Magazine
Teahupo'o, Tahiti: surfing's venue for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo: Ryan "Chachi" Craig The Summer Olympics are right around the corner. Here’s a guide to get pumped before the world’s best surfers go for gold at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Over a century ago, a young Duke...
“Outdoor Retailer Launches Expansive Hosted Buyer Program (apply here now)” by Bart Schaneman via The Daily
At the OR Winter show last November, Sarah Morton (right), OR senior attendee relations manager, gives a group of buyers a tour of the show floor. Photo by Keith Fearnow. Apply for the All-New Hosted Buyer Program Attention: Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design +...
“Retailers Are Putting the “Special” Back in Specialty Retail Via Private Label” by Kari Hamanaka via Shop Eat Surf (Executive Edition)
All product photos courtesy of Val Surf, Spyder, Jack's and Quiet Storm. Huntington Beach Pier background: SES file photo. We talk to the owners of Val Surf, Jack’s, Quiet Storm and Spyder about their extensive private label...
“The USPS Must Roll Back its Recent Postage Increases” by Jim Coogan via Total Retail
The postal price increases in the near term have proven to be a failure. The USPS modeling predicted that revenue would increase and demand wouldn't fall. However, the data tells a different story. In 2023, revenue of “marketing mail” decreased by $920 million and...
“How Retailers’ Wrong Sales Tactics Are Ruining Customer Impulse Buys and Considered Purchases” by Bob Phibbs via the Retail Doctor
I walked into a store in California last year, and what seemed like thousands of mason jar candles were stacked on a glass fixture from the '80s. It was right next to the register. I could see the logic of putting the display there. Candles are impulse items. We...
“Longboarding Could Be Included in the 2028 LA Olympics” by Evan Quarnstrom via The Inertia
The beautiful surfing of Honolua Bloomfield was certainly on display at the recent ISA Event. Photo: Pablo Jimenez//ISA Imagine the world’s best longboarders gliding down the point at Malibu, but instead of Malibu’s typical Sunday afternoon summertime...
“Hawaii Claims the Shaka as Its Official State Gesture” by Jade Eckardt via The Inertia
Shaka from the North Shore. Why wouldn’t Hawaii claim the gesture? In addition to perfect surf and sunshine, Hawaii’s known for the shaka, the hand gesture that symbolizes positive messages like hello, goodbye, shoots, and aloha. It’s evolved from an intrinsic...