Join the Organization Dedicated to Uniting and Protecting Specialty Retailers

Specialty Retailers and the Board Sports Lifestyle
Surf | Skate | Snow | SUP | Swim | Outdoor | Wake

Advance Your Company Through Connections and Information Exchange

Specialty Retailers and the Board Sports Lifestyle
Surf | Skate | Snow | SUP | Swim | Outdoor | Wake

Lower day to day costs, increase margins, create more remarkable customer experiences

Specialty Retailers and the Board Sports Lifestyle
Surf | Skate | Snow | SUP | Swim | Outdoor | Wake

Stay Current on the Latest Industry News and Consumer Trends

Specialty Retailers and the Board Sports Lifestyle
Surf | Skate | Snow | SUP | Swim | Outdoor | Wake

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

“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?...

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“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

“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...

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“Surf Expo Set for Biggest Show Since 2020” by via Surf Expo News by Tiffany Montgomery on SurfExpo.com

“Surf Expo Set for Biggest Show Since 2020” by via Surf Expo News by Tiffany Montgomery on SurfExpo.com

Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner and Bob Hurley of FLORENCE, which is exhibiting at Surf Expo January. File photo by SES. Surf Expo January is just around the corner and the brand lineup is already impressive. Some notable names that are either returning to the show...

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“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

“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,...

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“Why some retail has been resilient against Amazon – It’s about the products — and the people” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive

“Why some retail has been resilient against Amazon – It’s about the products — and the people” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive

Longfellow Books in Portland, Maine, is one of about 15 independent bookstores in the area. It has remained family-owned for almost 25 years, about how long Amazon has been in the bookselling business. Daphne Howland/Retail Dive There may be nothing that Amazon...

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“Rest in Peace, Patti McGee: A True Skateboarding Icon (1945-2024)” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding plus Skateboarding Hall of Fame archive chronicling the life and impact of this tremendous skateboarding legend

“Rest in Peace, Patti McGee: A True Skateboarding Icon (1945-2024)” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding plus Skateboarding Hall of Fame archive chronicling the life and impact of this tremendous skateboarding legend

The skateboarding world is heartbroken by the news of legendary Patti McGee's passing on October 17, 2024. An icon, an innovator, a skateboarder, and a straight-up badass, Patti's influence on skateboarding will live on forever.  All of skateboarding felt this one....

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“Gen AI and the Top Fraud Trends Retailers Can’t Ignore This Holiday Season” by James Bruni via Total Retail

“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...

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“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)

“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...

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“Paul Kobriger—Skateboard Lifer, Artist, and Sixes and Sevens (BRA Retail Member) Shop Owner” by Blair Alley via TWS

“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...

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“Rising Retail Pricing Pressures Mandate an Elevated Emphasis on Cost Reduction Strategies” by Ryan Swiderski via Total Retail

“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...

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“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...

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“AI in the Aisles: 3 Easy Ways Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Can Increase Profitability Now” by via Total Retail

“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....

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“Summer Action Steps That Prep Retailers for a Holiday Blizzard of Sales” by Bob Phibbs via the Retail Doctor Blog

“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...

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“Foot Locker’s new loyalty program lets shoppers redeem points for cash, sneaker access” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive

“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...

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“Integrating Offers: How Omnichannel Coupons Can Transform Your Retail Strategy” by Jimmy Doheny via Total Retail

“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...

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