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.

“Winter Returns: Up to Two Feet Expected in Parts of Western U.S.” by Joe Carberry via the Inertia

by admin | Jan 26, 2025 | Community, Industry, News, Seasonal Products, Snowboard

Please and thank you. Photo: Ikon Pass It’s been a lovely January for many parts of the West: clear and cold. But those regions sitting on healthy snowpacks received little, to no snow during the month. But winter is about to make a serious return as forecasters...

“This skateboarding economist suggests we need more skateparks and less capitalism” by Greg Rosalsky via NPR

by admin | Jan 24, 2025 | Industry, News, Opinion, Retail Economy, Skateboard

A young skateboarder riding in front of the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero in San Francisco California.Adam Hester/Getty Images This first appeared in the Planet Money newsletter. You can sign up here. “The Skateboarding Ethic and the Spirit of...

“Surf Expo Showcases Innovation, Sustainability, and Vibrant Industry Momentum” via Surf Expo PR on SES X Outdoor

by admin | Jan 22, 2025 | Industry, News, Resources, Trade Shows

More than 750 exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers participated in the show. Surf Expo’s first event of 2025 was held January 8–10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Attracting over 750 exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers, the show...

“Unconventional Experiential Retail Strategies” by Brian Delp via The Robin Report

by admin | Jan 20, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Event Planning, News, Retail Strategy

In today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape, consumers are increasingly prioritizing experiences over products. This shift, coupled with tighter discretionary spending, demands that brands rethink their experiential retail strategies. The key question has morphed...

“‘It takes a lot of discipline’: How retail brands are educating their in-store staff” by Danny Parisi via Glossy

by admin | Jan 16, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, Educational Opportunity, Footwear, News, Sales Training, Shoe Market

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...

“Retailer Showcase: Surf Diva” by Cash Lambert via American Surf Magazine

by admin | Jan 14, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, News

Photo courtesy Surf Diva A two story building with yellow banners that read SURF DIVA just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California: it looks like, well, just a surf shop. But the truth is far from that.  The best surf shops are more than a brick...