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 several 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.
“Monster Energy Becomes Founding Partner of X Games League” via Monster Energy PR
Courtesy of Monster Energy. It is the most significant deal to date between Monster Energy and X Games. X Games has announced a landmark three-year partnership with Monster Energy, establishing Monster Energy as the Official Energy Drink of the X...
“Let’s talk about winter UV rays.” by Maggie Raymond via BRA Blog
When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, most people pack away their beach towels and their sunscreen, assuming the sun's harmful rays have also gone into hibernation. UV radiation is a year-round threat, and for winter action sports enthusiasts, the...
“RIP Kevin Wilkins: Thank You for Everything (1967-2025)” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding Magazine
Copenhagen 2015 | Photo: Blair Alley Kevin Wilkins wasn’t just a voice in skateboarding—he was a backbone, a mentor, and a friend to so many. This one hurts. RIP to one of the realest. The world lost a good one yesterday, November 4, 2025. Kevin Wilkins was one of the...
“An Ode to Simply Waiting For Waves” by Brian Sousa via The Inertia
Because it’s always worth the wait. Photo: Jarno Colijn//Unsplash f you added up the seconds that a good surfer actually spent riding the waves, it would amount to only the smallest fraction of an entire life.” -Ellis Avery, “The Surfer’s Secret to...
“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...
“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...
“Chris Bacon: Driving Passion, Culture, and a Skateboarding Legacy” via Trackfly community blog
Few stories in the skateboarding world capture both the passion and dedication of a local shop owner quite like Chris Bacon’s journey with Board of Missoula. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Montana’s skate and snowboard community, Chris’s story is...
“From Clicks to Bricks: Taking Full Advantage of In-Store Pickup” by Grant Gustafson via Total Retail
Paths to purchase have changed significantly over the past decades, with customer journeys nearly unrecognizable compared to those of the early 2000s. With the internet at their fingertips, shoppers are more informed, connected to brands, and able to discover new...
“Toxic SPF Is Costing You More Than You Think—Here’s What Smart Retailers Are Doing About It” by Maggie Raymond via BRA Blog
Sunscreen is a staple in any outdoor, resort, or beachside retail environment—but many retailers are just now waking up to a growing problem: the harmful ingredients hiding inside conventional SPF. For shop owners and buyers trying to align their inventory with...
“Tariffs force more Orvis store closures” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive
In 2026 Orvis will close 31 stores and five outlets. Cara Salpini/Retail Dive The outdoor retailer began scaling down a year ago in order to focus on its core sports fishing and bird hunting customer. Dive Brief: Orvis early next year will shutter 31 stores and five...
“3 Problems Every Board Shop Customer Has — and How to Fix Them Instantly” by Kevin Adametz via Retail Solutions
Every board shop customer knows the struggle: killer shoes, soaked gear, and that unmistakable post-session funk. Whether it’s a day in the park, a dawn surf, or a weekend on the mountain, moisture and odor always tag along for the ride.Meet SmellWell Freshener...
“Why “Cash Is King” Kills Retail Sales (and Why Credit Card Fees Are Really Marketing Costs)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Credit card customers spend more than cash customers ... a lot more. Research shows card users spend 12 to 18 percent more per transaction than those paying with cash. The Federal Reserve found non-cash purchases average more than four times...
“Outdoor Retailer Has a Fresh Mindset — and New Location in Minneapolis” by Vicki M. Young via Footwear News
Outdoor Retailer has a new agenda for its reimagined trade show, which now sees it setting up shop in Minneapolis. Outdoor Retailer is moving again, this time to Minneapolis as it looks to rebuild its presence in the trade show circuit. The Colorado Convention Center...
“Solving the Supply Chain Puzzle: How Inicio Apparel Delivers High-Quality Blanks Without the Hassle” by Alyzah Mohammed
Why retailers are turning to this solution as a smarter, more sustainable alternative to traditional sourcing models. In today’s retail climate, finding high-quality blank apparel that’s both reliable and affordable shouldn’t feel like a gamble. But for many...
“From Family Legacy to Modern Success: The Island Water Sports Story” by Cheyne Cottrell (Co-Owner of Island Water Sports) via Trackfly blog
Hi, I’m Cheyne Cottrell, General Manager and Co-Owner of Island Water Sports. My family has been riding the waves of the surf retail industry since 1977. This is my short story of how we navigated decades of challenges and expanded into new opportunities. I’ve also...
“Your Best Customers Are Forgetting You (While You Send More Emails)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Customer acquisition costs are up 38%, while retention rates keep sliding. Your marketing budget is working harder and delivering less. Your best customer hasn’t walked through the door in three months. Meanwhile, you’re on your 17th email blast… and they forgot about...
“NBA Star Gary Payton II Launches The Skate Board Association to Professionalize Skateboarding” via Shredder News
NBA free agent Gary Payton II is flipping the game and this time it is on a skateboard He just launched The Skate Board Association, a professional league that is all about giving skateboarders the recognition and cash they deserve. Skateboarding magazine According...
“TrackFly and ActionWatch Announce New Partnership” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf X Outdoor
The surf and skate industry’s main data firm is joining forces with a data company that provides a unified platform that is compatible with all retailer and POS systems, which will reduce data turnaround from days to hours. TrackFly, a company specializing in...
“What About Brands?” by Jeff Harbaugh via JH & A Market Watch Blog
Many years ago, I wrote a Market Watch column on branding. I opined that the importance of brands might be declining in the action sports world as products became reliable and similar. My friend and, at that time, editor Sean O’Brien at Transworld thought...
“Foot Locker shareholders approve Dick’s Sporting Goods acquisition” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive
A Foot Locker store in Chicago. The proposed acquisition would combine Foot Locker’s 2,400 stores with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ 800 or so. Kaarin Moore/Retail Dive Dick’s Sporting Goods said Tuesday the deal has received all regulatory approvals and should close...
“Retailers: In-Store Surveys Lie. Mystery Shops Don’t.” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor
Your customer surveys are lying to you. I know that's harsh, but it's true. Those QR codes and website URLs printed on every receipt? The feedback they generate is about as reliable as asking your mother if she likes your cooking. Receipt surveys attract the most...
“Dale Webster, The Man Who Surfed For 14,641 Consecutive Days, Has Passed Away” by Cooper Gegan via The Inertia
In the history of the sport, there are few who have matched Dale Webster’s dedication to surfing. Known as “Daily Wavester” or “Everyday Dale,” he lived his life with a singular purpose: to maintain the longest streak of consecutive days surfed – a feat...
“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 one 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...
“Stopping Rising Retail Crime Requires a Layered Approach to Security” by James Stark via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by GoodLife Studio A recent survey from the National Retail Federation revealed that 50 percent of retailers are more concerned with retail crime than they were just one year ago. That same survey found that the average number of...
“Retail buyers are reacting to tariffs with AI and early orders” by Dani James via Retail Dive
Customers shop at a Target store during the holidays. A Deloitte survey found that most retail buyers are worried about adequate inventory this holiday season. Courtesy of Target A Deloitte report found the industry is using the tech to navigate a shifting trade...
“If You’re Always Running a Sale, You’re Always Losing Margin” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
From independent boutiques to national chains, many retailers lean heavily on coupons, sales, and markdowns to drive traffic. On the surface, discounting seems like an easy win to boost sales. In fact, almost all American shoppers (a whopping 94%) redeem at least one...
“How to Level the Technology Playing Field for Brick-and-Mortar Retail” by Kal Amin via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by MoMo Productions Competing in the tech-saturated business landscape is easier than you might think Industries are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence. Today, 83 percent of companies are prioritizing AI in their business plans,...
“Five Reasons Every Specialty Board Retailer Needs to Experience Surf Expo” by Angie Marks
Imagine a place where the boardsports and coastal lifestyle meets cutting-edge business, where passionate retailers like you connect with the industry’s top brands, up-and-comers, and a community that thrives on stoke. That’s Surf Expo. Since 1976, Surf Expo has been...
“Wholesale Isn’t Dead, It’s Revitalizing Growth” by Shelley E. Kohan via The Robin Report
The traditional wholesale model isn’t dying—it’s evolving into something far more strategic and profitable than many executives realize. The widespread belief that direct-to-consumer channels automatically deliver superior margins is a myth. Successful brands are...
“A FAREWELL TO BLACK SABBATH THROUGH THE LENS OF SKATEBOARDING” by Christian Senrud via Jenkem Mag
It’s hard to imagine skateboarding without Black Sabbath. Without them, whose name would AVE spray paint on some forgotten concrete in Mindfield? Whose music would lay the soundtrack for every weekender’s personal Zero Sunday mission? Nobody. That’s...
“Retail Supply Chains Are Broken – Here’s How Unified Platforms Fix Them” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
If you've spent any time in Enterprise retail, you’ve seen it: departments that don’t talk to each other, systems that weren’t designed to share data, and a patchwork of bolt-on software that leaves you with more questions than answers.I had a conversation recently...
“First Look: Champs Sports unveils reimagined store concept” by Marianne Wilson via Chain Store Age: The Business of Retail
Champs Sports reimagined retail experience designed to embody its “Sports for Life” brand platform. Champs Sports has debuted a new retail experience designed to embody its “Sports for Life” brand platform. The retailer, part of Foot Locker Inc., which in...
“Can You Read a Customer in 30 Seconds? – take the quiz” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor blog
Take our Retail Personality Styles Quiz to discover how you show up—and how to flex your style to sell more. Why This Quiz Matters Some associates connect instantly. Others lose the sale before “hello.”The difference? Knowing how to read personalities—and...
“‘It takes a lot of discipline’: How retail brands are educating their in-store staff” by Danny Parisi via Glossy
At the National Retail Federation’s annual Big Show this week in New York City, brick-and-mortar was at the center of the conversation. With the pandemic era fully behind us, customers are returning to stores, and brands and retailers are looking for ways to make the...
“Why Experienced Retail Staff Still Struggle To Convert Shoppers” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
You've hired smart people. Some have been with your store for years. They know your products inside and out. So why aren't they closing more sales? Here are the two issues: Experience doesn't equal engagement. And… Product knowledge doesn't guarantee conversion. The...
“CARV takes center stage” by Chris Ahrens via The Coast News
The last elaborate booth for the ASR (Action Sports Retailer) show in San Diego was packed up in August 2010. Those 15 years of slapping hands, bumping shoulders and surfing my way through crowds of longtime friends, bitter business competitors, beautiful young...
“This Is Going To Be A Buckwild Hurricane Season” by Owen James Burke via Surfer Mag
Satellite view of Hurricane Dorian (with digital enhancements) from 2019.Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Images NOAA cuts are here…and they’re not good. Heading into the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, National Weather Service forecasters at the National Oceanic and...
“Transparency is the New Loyalty: Why Brands Should Treat Tariffs Like Sales Tax” by Dustin Engel via Total Retail
Consumers are waking up to a new economic reality: things cost more. From hot sake to tinted moisturizer to vehicles, the everyday evidence is piling up. For brand leaders, especially in retail, this isn’t just about inflation. It’s about trust — and how it's built or...
“What It Takes to Be an Awesome Assistant Store Manager” by Bob Phibbs via Retail Doctor Blog
If you’re looking for the top skills to be a good shop assistant or assistant store manager, you’ve come to the right post. One of the biggest stories I've not heard talked about is that retail didn't lose so many associates or managers as shift leads and assistant...
“THREE TWEAKS THAT BRING SIGNIFICANT CASH FLOW” by BRA Advisory Member, Retail Consultant, and remarkable speaker Dan Jablons
Retailers often think that the next boost in their business is going to come from finding the next amazing line of merchandise, or discovering a new marketing tool (the next Facebook?). Sometimes they believe it will happen because they hire a killer...
“Why retail’s e-commerce disruption era is over” by Daphne Howard via Retail Dive
In the last 15 years, the value of in-store sales fell just once, amid 2020’s pandemic lockdowns, according to a report from Colliers Monday. Daphne Howland/Retail Dive Brick-and-mortar stores drive the vast majority of core retail sales, and that won’t change any...
“US Father’s Day gift spending forecast to reach all-time high” by Mohamed Dabo via Retail Insight
The survey shows growing demand for personalised, experience-based gifts, with higher spending and online shopping leading. / Credit: Prostock-studio via Shutterstock Americans are set to spend a record $24bn on Father’s Day in 2025, according to new data from the...
“How Retailers Can Pivot at the Speed of Employee, Customer, and Market Needs” by Hunter Kafcsak via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Flamingo Images In retail, speed is no longer optional. Customer expectations shift fast, and technology evolves even faster. Strategic priorities can flip overnight in response to market volatility, operational challenges, or competitive...
“”Welcome In” Isn’t a Greeting: It’s a Sales Killer” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
You've heard it walking through stores: "Welcome in." A phrase that sounds meaningful but isn't. It's retail's equivalent of a shrug - forgettable and damaging to customer experience. I first noticed it in Manhattan during store tours on Madison Avenue when an...
“Smart Tariff Navigation: 5 Customer-Focused Tips for Retailers” by Joy Taylor via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by MoMo Productions Retail is experiencing a spending surge as consumers shop ahead of the looming tariff enactment dates. While this provides a welcome sales boost, retailers need to prepare for potential spending slowdowns that will occur should...
“U.S. China Tariffs: All Fluctuated Up” by Warren Shoulberg via The Robin Report
The latest news that China and the U.S. have agreed to a 90-day ceasefire — albeit with tariff rates still substantially higher than before all of this started — has thrown the retail industry into yet another stage of panic as they scramble to see if they...
“US and China Announce Agreement to Cut Reciprocal Tariffs for 90 Days” by Joe Keenan via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by narvikk The U.S. and China issued a joint statement on Monday announcing an agreement to cut reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, with both sides "recognizing the importance of a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and...
“75 Things Retail Employees Can Do When They’re Not Busy” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Your payroll is still running even when the floor is empty. Here's how to make every minute count. Originally, I shared just 50 of these ideas. The response was so strong, I decided recently to expand it. Now there are 75 ways your employees can stay sharp, useful,...
“Opinion: Surf Shop Day Highlights Importance of Shops in Surf Culture” by Vipe Desai and Mike Vavak via Shop Eat Surf X Outdoor
Retailers showing support for the upcoming Surf Shop Day on May 17. Photos courtesy of SIMA. Surf Shop Day came from a casual chat between Mike Vavak, founder of Building The Revolution, and a friend. The two started brainstorming about a surf alternative to...
“HOW WILL TARIFFS AFFECT THE SKATE INDUSTRY?” by Ian Michna via Jenkem Mag
There’s been a lot of speculation about the exact effects of the latest tariff (145%) on Chinese goods. And while we’re sure every at-home economist likely has a few valid points, we wanted to hear directly from the people actually making and selling skateboards about...
“Tariffs Threaten the American Dream (The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses and Consumers) via National Retail Federation (NRF) Blog
Small businesses, which make up 98% of retailers and support more than 13 million American jobs, are particularly vulnerable. Owning a small business embodies the ideals of freedom and opportunity that are central to the American Dream. However, tariffs jeopardize the...
“Short-Term Retail Fixes for Tariffs” by Warren Shoulberg via The Robin Report
You really can’t argue with Joe Feldman, an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group: “We are spending a lot of time on something that continues to change and is rapidly changing. It’s not even worth trying.” Ever-changing, ever-chaotic, ever-devastating, the Trump Tariff...
“7 Critical Service Failures Driving Customers Away (And How Training Solves Them)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor blog
The scene plays out in one of America's most prestigious department stores: A customer looking to purchase a high-end coat walks the sales floor for 15 minutes. During that time, not a single employee acknowledges him. Some are busy with their phones; others are...
“THE SEARCH FOR SKATEBOARDING’S MOST FAMOUS CAR” by Ian Michna via Jenkem Mag
People throw out the words “iconic” and “legendary” pretty damn willy-nilly these days… Hell I’m probably guilty of it too when referencing my niche interests that nobody else gives a shit about. But when scrawling out a list of iconic skate videos, it’s...
“USA Surfing Should Remain Surfing’s Olympic Representative” by Vipe Desai via The Inertia
Caroline Marks certainly made USA Surfing proud. The entity wants to continue to help develop athletes like her. Photo: ISA Editor’s Note: The following opinion was penned by Vipe Desai, SIMA’s executive director, world champion Shaun Tomson, Peter “PT” Townend, USA...
“CARV Expo Shakes Up the Board Sports Industry With a New West Coast Trade Show That Promises to Be More Than a Brand Showcase” PR via Surfer Mag
Image of a vintage copy of The Surfer Quarterly over from when an issue only cost $.75 courtesy of Surfer Mag SAN DIEGO — CARV Expo, taking place June 20–22 at the San Diego Convention Center, will bring together board sports brands, retailers, athletes, media, and...
“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?...
“What Can Retailers Do About Trump’s Tariffs?” by Mark Cohen via the The Robin Report
The $8+ trillion retail industry is the backbone of the American economy and like all industries, success in retail relies on the presence of orderly strategies and planning disciplines. It’s difficult enough to accommodate the ever-changing landscape of consumer...
“Why Do Some Surfers Make Us Uncomfortable?” by Sunny Fassler via Building The Revolution Blogpost
The Italo effect is undeniable. The chains, the hair, the cars. When he launches into the air, arms windmilling in celebration, a tsunami of opinions crashes across social media. Love and hate in equal measure – nothing in between. It’s the same with Medina. Three...
“How Will the United States Tariffs Affect the Surfing Industry?” by August Howell via Surfer Mag
Economic uncertainty plus a revolving door of tariffs means surfers and brands will likely feel a squeeze. Following the news of tariffs announced (then unannounced) by United States President Donald Trump is like reading the world’s worst surf forecast. Impending one...