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 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.
“Foot Locker unveils new store concept in ‘critical year’” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive
Foot Locker’s first store of the future in Wayne, New Jersey. The company will soon open other locations in Paris, Melbourne, Australia, and Delhi, India. Courtesy of Foot Locker, Inc. Chief Commercial Officer Frank Bracken told Retail Dive the new concept fixes some...
“5 Reasons Your Store Should Shred the Digital Marketing Pipeline” 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,...
“Bringing Joy to Retail: The Art of Human Connection in Stores” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
The art of selling is deeply intertwined with the art of human connection. As a retail speaker and trainer with over 30 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how the most memorable shopping experiences are those that spark a sense of joy and connection between the...
“Monthly retail sales from the US Commerce Department – Retail sales in March soar more than 5% beating inflation” by Daphne Howland and Caroline Jensen via Retail Dive
Photo Illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images The department’s Census Bureau tracks estimates each month. Retail Dive provides the numbers for key segments, and their year-over-year progress, or decline. Editor’s Note: Comparisons for individual segments...
“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...
“Outdoor Retailer Launches Expansive Hosted Buyer Program” 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. OR has listened to its exhibitors and is making a substantial investment to bring more buyers to...
“7 Key Habits of High-Performing Retailers That Don’t Include AI” by Tom Gleeson via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Hinterhaus Productions I know you’re probably wondering if this article will be a blast on artificial intelligence based on the headline. You’ve come to the wrong place if you're looking for that. As you’ve probably witnessed, it seems every...
“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...
“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 often think they need a complete...
“Hollywood Sucks at Surfing: Five Times They Got It Right” by Nathan Myers via Surfer Magazine
The definitive list of Hollywood's only successful drops from the only man qualified to make it. From Beach Blanket Bingo to Blue Juice, they just don't seem to get it. The list of laughable missteps has come to occupy our daily communication. Come...
“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. In 2022, losses stemming from internet shopping scams and duplicity approached $400 million, according to statistics from the Better Business...
“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...
“Nonprofit Awarding Over $50,000 in Scholarships to Skateboarders” by Haley Mast via Transworld Skateboarding
Scholarships for skateboarders by skateboarders A fresh 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called The College Skateboarding Education Association CSEF, is gearing up to give over $50,000 in scholarships to skateboarders, and their application just opened! CSEF’s mission...
“MasterCraft Celebrates International Women’s Day With Fourth Annual ‘Let Her Rip’ Campaign” by Staff via Wakeboarding Mag
Empowerment and building confidence are the foundations of MasterCraft’s Let Her Rip powered by Progressive. Courtesy MasterCraft Female-focused campaign empowers women and inspires boating confidence; includes mentorship from MasterCraft athletes Meagan Ethell,...
“Nike Embraces Wholesale Again as It Looks to Improve Results”
The Nike Air Max Dn, which launches March 26 in 4,000 doors. Photo courtesy of Nike Inc. Nike executives detail how the company plans to return to bigger growth. Plus, why Converse’s sales dropped double digits. This article is available to Shop Eat Surf Executive...
“Social Media’s Accountability Without Alienating Teens”
Teen social media users are in for a year of frustrating surprises. That’s because both the U.S. Senate and social media platform founders are facing pressures to make 2024 a year of remediation. YouTube expanded parental controls back in 2021,...
“The 12 Best Surf Books for Kids” by Rebecca Parsons via The Inertia
Stoke your child’s curiosity of the ocean with these twelve awesome surf books for kids. Photo: Torsten Dederichs//Unsplash. Reading is beneficial for everyone, but especially children. It helps to strengthen the brain, build vocabulary, stimulate the imagination, and...
“Visa and Mastercard Reach $30B Settlement to Lower Merchant Fees” by Marie Albiges via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Westend61 Visa, Mastercard, and the banks that issue cards with them agreed to pay $30 billion in a lawsuit settlement that was first brought to the courts by merchants in 2005 . In reaching a settlement, Visa and Mastercard agree to lower...
Michaels boosts in-store experience with birthday parties, classes by Tatiana Walk-Morris via Retail Dive
Kids at a Michaels birthday party. Starting at $299, Michaels will help customers organize two-hour parties for up to eight children. Courtesy of Michaels The crafts retailer reimagined its class offering and introduced a party planning service for children in the...
“9 Proven Retail Strategies For Improving Sales” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
When you're looking for a Retail Sales Strategy that works, it's simple: you need to be brilliant on the basics. I had been hired in my business consultant role by a man looking to open a new store. After assessing the location and merchandise ideas, I...
“How to Run an Efficient, Impactful and Successful Sales Contest” by staff via Shop Eat Surf (reposted with permission)
Photo Courtesy of ENDVR Sales contests are powerful tools for brands. They incentivize and motivate sales associates to talk about their products and sell them to customers. And this extra push goes a long way for brands. In this article, we will explain how to...
“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...
“Volunteers Rally To Build a New Skatepark for the Nigeria Skate Community – All thanks to the volunteer-led organization Wonders Around The World” by Haley Mast via Transworld Skateboarding
Wonders Around The World (WAW) is a 100% volunteer-run charitable organization whose mission is to make skateboarding accessible worldwide through the value of “Inclusion, expression, and development through empowerment”. WAW has traveled the world with a crew of...
“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...
“Redefining Retail: 3 AI Trends Leading the Way” by Antony Wildey via Total Retail
Credit: iStock.com by Surasak Suwanmake For some time now, many retailers have been exploring the use of artificial intelligence to enhance various aspects of their business, from inventory placement to merchandising assortments. However, the conversation gained...
“What is a skateboard shop? – ‘A cultural hub, capitalist outpost, the scene of my gravest sin?'” by Cole Nowicki
This is an extended version of a story that initially appeared in SBC Skateboard Vol. 24.1. You can look at that whole issue online here and subscribe to the mag here. The obvious, business-registry-grade answer is that it’s a place to buy hard and...
“Learn How to Increase Retail Sales With These 8 Pro Tips” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Looking for resources on how to increase sales in retail? The key is to realize in many ways, brick-and-mortar retailers have a finite client base. After all, only so many people will be willing to walk into your store on any given day. While great marketing can...
“2024 Retail Trends: How the Latest Technologies Continue to Shape the Industry” by Pierre Kremer
Credit: Getty Images by FangXiaNuo Our rapidly digitalizing and globalizing world hasn't been kind to the retail industry these past few years, especially for brick-and-mortar stores. As a result, many retailers have begun to wrestle with questions concerning the...
“‘Pipeline’s for the F**king Girls’ – Caity Simmers and the Best Surf Quote Ever” by Joe Carberry via The Inertia
All that’s left is a world title. Photo: Bielmann//World Surf League Something crazy happened Saturday afternoon in Hawaii, on that little stretch of sand at Ehukai Beach Park. Out in the water, a new generation was blowing minds. A new generation of women, that...
“Retail Tech to Make Shoppers Fall in Love with Your Store” by Pankaj Mathur via iVendRetail Blog
It’s the time of year when the world’s thoughts turn to love. For retailers, Valentine’s Day offers a shopping boost in the after-holiday mid-February slump, but it’s more than that – it’s also a reminder that love comes in many forms, including the love that shoppers...
“Hubi’s Surf Atlas and Wiilder Adventures & Animals A-Z Book Review” plus Surf Expo giveaway by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)
Over the Summer, I started noticing a few Instagram posts from a number of our Retail Members including Hansen Surf Shop in Encinitas about this interesting surf adventure book for kids called "Hubi's Surf Atlas" as well as a few posts from Wiilder World referencing a...
“Last Year Saw an Uptick In Shark Attacks, Per ISAF Report” by Cooper Gegan via The Inertia
Photo: Jeremy Lanfranchi//Unsplash The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) has released a report detailing 2023 shark attack numbers. The report shows a notable uptick in the number of unprovoked shark attacks, as well as the number of those...
“Relationships vs. Transactions and the Future of Email” by Jon Stamell via Total Retail
Credit: Jon Stamell Do you know how many emails are sent every day around the world? I ask people that all the time and I get some surprising answers. I’ve heard 10 million, 100 million and up to a billion. The answer is that in 2024, people around the world will send...
“7 Sales-Boosting Social Commerce Retail Marketing Strategies” by Bob Phibbs via Retail Doctor Blog
I remember when a local business group asked me to present for half a day and the focus became social media marketing for retail stores. It was a typical group of small and medium-sized businesses that sold everything from clothing and sporting goods to banking...
“Matching the Speed of Consumers in the Shifting World of Retail” by Abhishek Naidu via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Photographer is my life Analyzing the pressures facing the world of retail and how businesses need to tackle challenges by prioritizing the needs of Gen Z and millennials In the aftermath of the pandemic and the global economic strain, Gen Z...
“Street League Skateboarding Unveils Expanded Eight-Stop 2024 Schedule” by Michelle Bruton via Forbes
Brazil's Rayssa Leal and Portugal's Gustavo Ribeiro took the championship in the 2022 SLS Triple Crown season It’s an Olympic year, which means that skateboarding, which was added to the program for the Tokyo 2020 Games and which will return in Paris this summer, will...
If you missed last week’s relevant and helpful webinar from BRA SVP CohnReznick, not to worry. We got you with the registration link to view it on-demand” by Doug Works, BRA Executive Director
In this outstanding webinar, the people behind BRA Supporting Vendor Partner Cohn Reznick and a couple of their special guests focused on data and lessons learned from the holiday season, margin enhancement opportunities from the investor perspective, and proactive...
“Carissa Moore Announces She’s Stepping Away From the Championship Tour” by Joe Carberry via The Inertia
In news that we’ve heard rumblings about for weeks, Carissa Moore, a five-time world champion and defending Olympic gold medalist is officially stepping away from the World Surf League’s Championship Tour (she doesn’t want to use the word “retire”). She will surf...
“2024 Predictions: 5 Trends That Will Shape the In-Store Shopping Experience” by David Barker via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Busakorn Pongparnit From emerging technologies to AI-enabled retail associates, Honeywell shares thoughts on evolving retail experiences in the year ahead Retail is changing significantly as new technologies pave the way for future shopping...
“An in depth breakdown of the Nike SB Air Max Ishod” by David of Bluetile and Blair Alley via Transworld Skateboarding
Dave is the man and his shop in South Carolina, Bluetile, is one of the gems out there. He's got a great Youtube series going where he gets into the nitty gritty of new shoes. Check his breakdown of the upcoming Nike SB Ishod 2, or as some are calling it the...
“Surf Expo’s Roy Turner to Receive President’s Award from East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame” by Kara Hamanaka via Shop Eat Surf
Board Retailers Association Chairman George Leichtweis and Roy Turner. SES file photo. Roy Turner has enjoyed a career in action sports surrounded by what he’s been doing since he was a kid: surfing and skating. “I’m pretty blessed that throughout my...
“3 Ways AI Can Benefit Retailers in 2024” by Yan Zhang via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Marko Geber The National Retail Federation forecasted 2023 holiday sales to grow between 3 percent and 4 percent. And while sales growth has slowed due to the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and other factors, retailers must still compete...
“How To Set A New Direction For Retail 2024” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
The start of a New Year is a good time to assess where you’ve been and where you want to go. Otherwise, it can be just the same problems on a different day.Most of us are good at seeing what we didn't accomplish. Many throw up their hands and say, "Good riddance." But...
“Surf Expo to Host Exciting Lineup of Events, Networking, Seminars and Features at January 2024 Show” by surf Expo staff via Surf Expo blog
Highlights include the 2024 Florida Shape Off, East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Learning Labs on important business topics, and an Industry Party. Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle trade show, is offering a full roster of...
“2023 year-end tax planning opportunities for hospitality and consumer businesses” by Lauren Precipe, Anton Rayetskyy & Yelena Belaks via CohnReznick blog plus special CR offer for all BRA Retail Members
As another year comes to an end, there are some major tax opportunities and concerns impacting the hospitality and consumer industries that should be considered for planning purposes. Although many COVID-19 related programs and changes are behind us, there are other...
“Does Morocco Boast the Biggest Rideable Wave on Earth? This Group of Chargers Thinks So” by Ben Mondy via The Inertia
Big? Yeah, that big. Mr. Kemper, sampling the goods. Photo: Tim Bonython In 2020, off the coast of the Moroccan port city of Safi, archaeologists found evidence of a centuries-old, submerged city. With the remnants dating back to the second century B.C., one...
“Why Shopify’s 2023 AI Releases Could Change the SMB E-Commerce Game” by David Lachowicz via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Marko Geber Rare is the e-commerce small to midsize business (SMB) that has the time, resources and expertise to build its own website. It’s basically Amazon.com, Shopify, a Shopify competitor, or bust. Thanks to a bunch of artificial...
“Dick’s Redefines Community Service” by Robin Lewis via The Robin Report
Community sports are interchangeable with the American spirit of resilience, optimism, and competition. Dick’s Sporting Goods knows the roles sports and fitness play in America’s communities and is deeply embedded in that world, responding in radical ways. The...
“Retail Holiday Sales: How to Sell to Men and Help Them Buy Like Heroes” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
As a retailer, I loved the day before Christmas Eve. All the planners had purchased, and the after-Christmas sales had begun. The guys were now considering going shopping... Historically, on Christmas Eve, the crowds gradually thin out, and you begin to notice more...
“Martha Presents ‘Surf Shop Stories'” by Martha via PR on Shop Eat Surf
Billy Meistrell, from Dive N' Surf, is featured in Martha's documentary series "Surf Shop Stories." Courtesy of Martha PRESS RELEASES | Published Dec 13, 2023 In a bid to amplify the heartbeat of retail and celebrate the essence of human connection, we...
“It’s Skateshop season! Seasons Skateshop owners interviewed on Dead Air Radio” by Blair Alley via Transworld Skateboarding
The Dead Air guys are back with another great podcast keeping it strictly skateshop owners in their current season. Trevor and CB who own Seasons skateshop up in Albany, New York sit down for some conversation and history of their storied shop. ...
“Uber adds store pickup, reindeer robot delivery for the holidays” by Erin Cabrey via Retail Brew
Image courtesy of Uber The new service grows Uber’s reach beyond the delivery and rideshare service’s current retail partners. This week, Uber announced a series of new features to deliver convenience and a little holiday spirit to its consumers. The rideshare and...
“ISA Releases Statement Regarding Teahupo’o Olympic Judging Tower Debacle” by Alexander Haro via The Inertia
The old judging tower on the reef at Teahupo’o is slated for destruction and replacement in time for the upcoming Olympics. Photo: WSL The proposed new judging tower on the reef at Teahupo’o for the upcoming Olympics has not been well received locally, and a recent...
“Why Retailers Need AI to Reach the Customer and Outshine the Competition This Holiday Season and Beyond” by Cynthia Sener via Total Retail Report
Credit: iStock.com by Userba011d64_201 This year, the U.S. experienced a 14 percent decrease in customer loyalty, falling from 79 percent to 68 percent. With inflation still impacting today’s consumer, businesses must become agile and shift how they reach...
“Store Window Display Design: How To Grab Customer Attention” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Just like people quickly decide if they like a stranger by the look of their clothes, when it comes to retail storefronts, first impressions also happen in seconds. The window displays are your brand's clothes. Those displays' visual impact on your potential shoppers...
“The AR Revolution in Retail Is (Almost) Here by Arick Wierson via the Robin Report
Augmented Reality (AR) is emerging as a game-changing technology in the retail sector with the promise of revolutionizing the way consumers interact with brands and products. AR technology empowers the user to see his or her real-world environment overlaid with...
“Loyalty is a Strategy, Not a Program” by Kevin Susman via Total Retail
Credit: iStock.com by PeopleImages In the commercial innovation workshops I lead around the globe, there are many strategies that clients and customers want to cover. However, without fail, I always get asked what can be done to improve customer loyalty. ...
“Apparel Retail Prepares for an Uncertain Holiday Season” by Dennis Limmer via Retail Dive
PHOTO BY PARKER BURCHFIELD ON UNSPLASH In the past year, apparel retailers such as Gap Inc. and Urban Outfitters battled an inventory surplus, forcing them to heavily discount items. This summer, they reported smoother sales, considerably reducing the need for...
“Specialty Retailers Like You Can Now Count Inventory With Smartphones” by Aaron Randall via RICS Software (BRA Supporting Vendor Partner)
RICS POS and Inventory Management solution just released another new app: RICS>Scan. RICS>Scan is a powerful software solution that enables users to scan inventory quickly and accurately with an iPhone or Android device. It can be downloaded to multiple phones...
“2024 Brings Higher Shipping Costs: FedEx and UPS Rates on the Rise” by Jen Deming of BRA Partnership Shipping Program
Get ready for a hit to your shipping budget in 2024 as FedEx and UPS plan to bump up their rates by an average of 5.9%. But don't be fooled by that number alone. Thanks to various fees and other adjustments, your actual shipping costs will likely rise even higher. The...