Below you will find helpful and relevant articles that we carefully curate for the benefit of our B.R.A. Retail Members almost every day. Be sure to scroll through the most recent article or use the Search/Lookup feature to find topics and keywords related to articles that may help you to lower costs, increase margins or create more remarkable customer experiences.


“Opinion: Surf Shop Day Highlights Importance of Shops in Surf Culture” by Vipe Desai and Mike Vavak via Shop Eat Surf X Outdoor

“Opinion: Surf Shop Day Highlights Importance of Shops in Surf Culture” by Vipe Desai and Mike Vavak via Shop Eat Surf X Outdoor

by | May 10, 2025 | BRA Community Partners, Brick & Mortar, Community, Industry, News, Opinion, Surf

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...
“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)

“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)

by | May 8, 2025 | BRA Community Partners, Community, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Industry

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...
“From Family Legacy to Modern Success: The Island Water Sports Story” by Cheyne Cottrell (Co-Owner of Island Water Sports) via Trackfly blog

“From Family Legacy to Modern Success: The Island Water Sports Story” by Cheyne Cottrell (Co-Owner of Island Water Sports) via Trackfly blog

by | May 2, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Community, News, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies, Surf

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...
“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

“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

by | Apr 18, 2025 | Community, Industry, News, Resources, Retail Strategy, Skateboard, Snowboard, SUP, Surf, Trade Shows

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...