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.
“Rebound for Retail: How Mobile Can Achieve Memorability for Retailers” by Paul Coggins via Total Retail
Credit: iStock.com by Anita Kot Over the past few years, there’s been an increasing shift towards online retail, particularly with many of the attitudes adopted over the course of the pandemic now a part of everyday life. And many of these transactions are being...
“What Is Your North Star?” by Deborah Patton via The Robin Report
Do you know your organization’s North Star? Or maybe a better question is whether your organization even has a North Star. Not to get all astronomical on you, but Dr. E.C. Krupp, Director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and a world-renowned expert in...
“How To Make Your Retail Store Instagram-Worthy” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor blog
Today's retail landscape is all about being Instagram-worthy. Consumers and influencers are always on the lookout for new, unique, and visually appealing places to take photos and videos for their social media channels. As a retailer, you can capitalize on this trend...
“The Surfing World Owes Stephanie Gilmore an Apology” by Ben Mondy via The Inertia
She earned it. And we forgot about her. Photo: Thiago Diz//World Surf League “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them,” wrote bad boy Billy Shakespeare. Or in Stephanie Gilmore’s case, some quietly achieve GOAT...
“The Simple Way to Drive More Retail Foot Traffic” by Peter Biagioli via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by SolStock We’ve all witnessed the pandemic’s devastating effects on retail shopping and the significant downturn in customer foot traffic in-store, but experts now point to a major shift in customer behavior. Recent figures, including the...
“NRF Reports Retail Shrink Nearly a $100B Problem” by Daniel Inman via National Retail Federation
WASHINGTON – Retail shrink, when taken as a percentage of total retail sales in 2021, accounted for $94.5 billion in losses last year, up from $90.8 billion in 2020, according to the 2022 National Retail Security Survey released today by the National Retail...
“How to Use Humor in Your Sales Presentation – the More Laughs, the More You Sell” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Want to increase your sales? Try adding humor! Here are eight tips for incorporating humor into your retail store or in-person sales presentation. With all the focus on features and benefits from manufacturers, many retail sales presentations can be dry and boring....
“Sandia Peak Ski Area to remain closed for second year” – A result of climate change and staffing issues by Scarlett Lisjak via SIA Newsletter shared article
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia Peak Ski Area officials recently announced they will be closed this winter, for the second year in a row. The lack of snow on the mountain for the past five years has created a snowball effect. For the first time in at least the past...
“Why Is Surfing So Good for Us? A Neuroscientist and a Writer Offer Clues” by Owen James Burke via The Inertia
Maybe it’s simply moments like this that make us happy? Photo: Paz Arando//Unsplash “Surfing is the source, man. It’ll change your life. Swear to God.” – Surf shop grom from Point Break Sappy, soppy, mystical explanations and platitudes abound for...
“5 Key Trends to Watch in Modern Retailing” by Nick Gurney via Total Retail
Credit: iStock.com by Tzido The shift from physical to digital retail was well underway before the pandemic hit, but the closure of physical locations has accelerated the trend. This has exposed a weakness in sales for many retailers that have been slow to adapt to...
“Why Microplastic Pollution is Still Fashion’s Concern” by Catherine Schetting Salfino via The Robin Report
Although numerous residents of New Jersey are still openly bemoaning the plastic bag ban that took effect in May, millions of people around the globe are participating in Plastic Free July, an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, an organization...
“VIDEO ESSAY: HOW SKATEBOARDING WENT HD” by Alex Coles via Jenkem Mag
Skaters aren’t always ready to give up old ways so easily, but most of us have finally accepted the transition into the high definition world. It’s been a long and slow journey, so we decided to put together this timeline of how skateboarding started to ditch...
“How Retailers Can Use TikTok to Build Better Brand Loyalty in a New Era of Community Building” by Amy Gilbert via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Pixels Effect If you're familiar with TikTok, you've most likely seen the hashtag #Tiktokmademebuyit. Truth is, people can find anything from books to clothing to makeup thanks to retail brands’ ever-expanding presence on TikTok. This social...
“Instead of having just one DRM benefit known as the BRA Shipping Program, PartnerShip is now administering two separate shipping benefits plus FAQs and link to take advantage of these savings” by Doug Works, Executive Director of Board Retailers Association
We asked Harry Centa of PartnerShip (BRA Supporting Vendor Partner) why they are splitting the shipping program into two separate benefits and a few other questions about the special savings program specifically for BRA Distinguished Retail Members. Here is how he...
“Will Americans get started earlier or later this year on their Christmas shopping?” by Matthew Stern via Retail Wire
A Salesforce survey reported by Practical Ecommerce found that 37 percent of consumers anticipate starting to shop for the holidays early this year. According to that article, customers may shift their Christmas spending from the big seasonal shopping...
“Vail Resorts to Limit Ticket Sales Every Day of 2022-2023 Season” by Will Sileo via The Inertia
Snowboarders ride the lifts at Brighton, UT, an Epic Pass resort. Photo: Jackson Blackhurst. Are the days of overcrowded Vail-owned ski resorts a thing of the past? Will the infamous “Epic Lift Lines” Instagram account have to be discontinued due to a lack...
“Are You Ready for Live Commerce? 5 Tips to Get Started Right Now” by Zarnaz Arlia via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Seksan Mongkhonkhamsao The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of businesses as they attempted to meet the changing demands of customers. Stuck at home during lockdowns, people around the globe turned to online shopping and...
“5 Ways to Make Your Store a Place Employees Love” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
If you're like most retailers, you're always looking for ways to improve your employees' satisfaction levels and keep them motivated. After all, a satisfied employee is more likely to provide better customer service.And frankly, only feeling great satisfaction with...
“U.S. retailers slash clothing prices as shoppers cut purchases” by Arriana McLymore via Reuters
A Victoria's Secret store is pictured in Liverpool, Britain. REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo NEW YORK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Inflation-weary U.S. shoppers have been skimping on clothing purchases, prompting retailers to slash prices to clear inventory off the racks....
“Adapting to the New Normal in Retail: 5 Ways to Improve Your Digital Presence” by Nicole Leinbach Reyhle via Retail Minded
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer buying behavior to the online world, forcing retailers to adapt quickly. Even as the world recovers from the pandemic, e-commerce still has a stronghold, so it’s crucial for retailers to cater to the needs of consumers who...
“Transactional reward programs are easy, but do they build customer loyalty?” by Tara Kirkpatrick via Retail Wire
Another day, another retail loyalty program launch. Bath & Body Works earlier this week debuted its “new” rewards program, which was soft-launched in July after it began testing in March. Bath & Body Works joins a slew of retailers and brands,...
“Who is Strike Visuals and how can they help you to make your shop even more recognizable at events?” by Doug Works, BRA Executive Director
Strike Visuals is one of the newest BRA Supporting Vendor Partner and has been leading the industry with high-quality promotional event products for years. Founded by the Stewart brothers in search of finding the best solutions for outdoor inflatable race arches and...
“The Reinvention of Curation” by Paco Underhill via The Robin Report
The display greeting you at the doorway is a huge geode of crystal amethyst; the asking price is $2000. Behind it is a mannequin wearing an American Museum of Natural History T-shirt. Even for a museum store, the amethyst was impressive. “How many blocks have you...
“A 5-Point Road Map To Compete With Amazon” by Bob Phibbs via the Retail Doctor Blog
Levi's made headlines when its stock gained 32% on its first day of trading. While Levi's sales and profits are still growing, they didn't come by accident. For years Levi's brand foundered as competitors chipped away at one of America's most iconic brands. Then...
“How Many Arrows Are in Your Quiver?” by Marc Weiss via The Management One Newsletter
In business, this is a metaphor for what resources and strategies are available to you in order to achieve your goal. The quiver holds the arrows, you as the store owner are the archer and the target is your retail business goal. The relationships to this metaphor are...
“Courtney Conlogue and Miguel Pupo Win 2022 Tahiti Pro at Firing Teahupo’o” by Staff via The Inertia
The surfers came. And Teahupo’o absolutely delivered all week. While the waves weren’t quite as big for finals day, the conditions were clean and glorious throughout as Courtney Conlogue made a late-season push, winning at Teahupo’o and Miguel Pupo nabbed his maiden...
“Technological Inventions That Shaped the History of Retail” by Bobby Marmahat via Total Retail
Brick-and-mortar retail is in a technology boom. While innovations like self-checkout, mobile apps, and digital kiosks were already popping up in stores, the pandemic only accelerated the adoption of new technologies to connect with customers and keep them safe....
“GUERILLA MARKETING TACTICS WITH CLOWN SKATEBOARDS” by Alexis Castro via JENKEM MAG
A few weeks ago we came across what we thought was the most bizarre skateboarding collab of the year: Paris Saint-Germain Football Club and Clown Skateboards. How did a British skateboard company that none of us had ever heard of before, and only boasts a few...
“Surf Expo Attracts More Than 600 Exhibiting Brands to Upcoming September Show” via Shop Eat Surf (plus video of highlights from January Show & more)
Photo courtesy of Surf Expo PRESS RELEASES | Re-Published August 2022 ORLANDO, Fla.– (July 25, 2022) Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Sept. 8-10 in the West Concourse with...
“STAY ON BOARD: THE LEO BAKER STORY – Takeaways From a Must-See Documentary” by Anthony Pappalardo via Artless Industria
My morning ritual begins by checking my text messages, followed by pruning my inbox from companies trying to sell me things and then setting my daily agenda. Today was no different but as I checked off empty white boxes next to eComms that would soon be directed to...
“Retail Check In: Ron Jon Surf Shop” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf (Executive Edition)
Ron Jon Surf Shop at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida - SES file photo By Tiffany Montgomery | Published Aug 2022 We speak to Ron Jon Surf Shop President Michele Goodwin, who provides very interesting details about sales and brand trends at the important...
“Employee Perks: Are You Giving Too Many or Not Enough?” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Are you guilty of giving your employees too many perks? Or, are you not giving them enough? I read about a Canadian candy company looking for a Chief Candy Officer. The benefits? For a salary of up to $100,000, they get to taste 3,500 products every month. The...
“Is 2022 Back-to-School Back to Normal?” by Warren Shoulberg via The Robin Report
It may seem like only yesterday that you heard kids singing, “No more pencils, no more books…” but here we are again deep into the 2022 Back-to-School season for retailers who supply all the stuff students need (and maybe don’t need) for their return to classes. And...
“The ‘Angriest Man in Surfing’ Proves the Days of Violent Surf Regulation Are Done” by Alexander Haro via The Inertia
Andy Lyon decided that a rock needed to be implanted into this surfboard and the consequences for his actions are proof that it’s not okay anymore. Photos: Screenshot/YouTube In the first week of August, a Malibu resident named Andy Lyon took off on a wave at...
“USOPC moves to decertify USA Skateboarding” by Alyssa Roenigk via ESPN
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has initiated proceedings to decertify USA Skateboarding as the sport's national governing body (NGB), a spokesperson for the USOPC confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday. "We initiated the decertification process, citing section 8...
“Skate Leaders Discuss Inventory Glut and State of Market” by John Stouffer via Shop Eat Surf (Executive Edition)
By John Stouffer | Published Aug 8, 2022 The skateboard industry is struggling with excess hardgoods inventory that’s affecting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers around the world. We talk to leaders at Arbor, Carver, Element, Eastern Skateboard Supply,...
“Proactive Service is the Key to Consistent, Positive Customer Experiences” by Bulent Cinarkaya via Total Retail
It's 2022 and everything, including the way we shop, is hybrid. The 2022 Shopper Experience Index shows that almost two-thirds of consumers have embraced hybrid shopping permanently. Customers are shopping in person for products they've likely already...
“Will the ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ model overcome economic and regulatory challenges?” by Tom Ryan via Retail Wire
“Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services, such as Affirm, Afterpay, Clearpay and Klarna, saw explosive adoption as e-commerce upshifted into a higher gear during the pandemic, but are now facing questions over their sustainability against a tide...
“Instagram rolls back some product changes after user backlash” by Kalley Huang and Mike Isaac
Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian were among the upset users who said the updates made the app too much like TikTok. Instagram said on Thursday that it was rolling back several recent updates to its photo-sharing app after Kylie Jenner and other...
“The Best Women’s Wetsuit Jackets of 2022, Reviewed” by Rebecca Parsons via The Inertia
Photo: Christinamae Sheley. Nothing puts a damper on an epic surf session more than being cold. If you’re anything like me, being cold means it’s game over. Once the shivers start, it’s time for me to paddle in, regardless of how good the waves are. Although...
“TikTok Live Shopping Is Booming In 2022. How Can Small Businesses Benefit?” by Catherine Erdly via Forbes Magazine
Live streaming is transforming some of the small businesses who have taken advantage of it's powerGETTY “TikTok Shop LIVE has totally changed my business,” claims Sumayah Saadi, an LSE student who first set up her online shop aiming to provide affordable,...
“USA Skateboarding chair resigns after audit finds multiple governance and financial problems” by Duncan McKay via Inside The Games
Gary Ream has resigned as the chair of USA Skateboarding (USAS) following concerns being raised over governance and financial misconduct at the national governing body. Ream, who played a leading role in helping skateboarding get on the Olympic programme at last...
“How to Choose the Right Tow Tower – Picking the right tow tower for your boat.” by Jeff Hemmel via Wakeboarding Mag
Push a button and Nautique’s Flight Control Tower telescopes up or down with the Bimini top in place. Courtesy Roswell Tow towers have gone from wakeboarding one-offs to standard equipment on most tow-sports boats, as well as an increasing share of runabouts,...
“5 Ways to Boost Team Morale” by Mike Szczesny via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Sarote Pruksachat There may be a day when you wake up and simply don't have the motivation to do your job anymore. When you think about going to work, you may feel helpless, trapped, detached or cynical. This lack of motivation or interest...
“Instagram launches payment-in-chat feature for businesses” by Dani James via Retail dive
Instagram launched the ability for U.S. businesses to complete transactions in chats with shoppers. Courtesy of Meta Dive Brief: In an effort to simplify the customer journey for small businesses, Meta on Monday launched the ability for users to pay for products...
“5 Tips to Increase Retail Sales With Visual Merchandising” by Nick Gurney via Total Retail
As a retailer, you know that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to keep your business running. And while there are many different aspects of your business that require attention, arguably the most important is your sales. Ninety percent of the information...
“What 5G and Edge Computing Mean for Retail” by Dan Picker via Total Retail
With the media and analyst attention 5G and edge computing are getting these days, it’s easy to sense they're very important technologies. However, it’s not always easy to figure out what they mean for your retail business, or why they’re so often talked about at the...
“Retail braces for the second half of the year, as cautious shoppers pay more but get less” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive
Banoart/depositphotos.com Dive Brief: In the segments tracked by Retail Dive, retail sales in June rose 7.7% year over year, as e-commerce regained some momentum with a 20.6% rise, according to numbers released Friday by the U.S. Commerce Department.The...
“Sustaining Profitability and the Environment: A Retail Necessity” by Nathan Smith via The Robin Report
Industry Reality Check To set the context for new emerging retail crises, allow me to set up the situation we find ourselves in as a result of the pandemic. From my perspective, Covid-19 did not start any new trends; instead, it accelerated one that had already begun,...
“Maya Gabeira Wrote the Most Beautiful Children’s Book: ‘Maya and the Beast’” by Alexander Haro via The Inertia
Maya’s first book is available August 2. Images courtesy of Abrams Books. For the last few years, Maya Gabeira has been working on something very different from her normal gig. She’s been writing books. You know Gabeira, of course, as the two-time Guinness World...
“YouTube, Shopify Partner to Offer Creators Livestream Shopping Option” by Marie Albiges via Total Retail
Photo Credit: Courtesy of YouTube Creators and merchants on the Shopify e-commerce platform can now feature their products across their YouTube channels, thanks to a new partnership between the two businesses. The new collaboration allows creators to link their...
“Monthly retail sales from the US Commerce Department” by Daphne Howland and Caroline Jansen 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...
“Tennessee: Governor Bill Lee Signs Model Wakesurfing and Wakeboarding Legislation” by WSIA Staff via WSIA Newsletter
Last week, representatives from the recreational boating industry – including NMMA, WSIA, Heyday, Indmar Marine Engines, and MasterCraft – joined Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for an official signing ceremony of the industry-backed model wakesurfing and wakeboarding...
“The Raglan Surf Report: Why Surf Judges Keep Their Identities Secret” by Will Sileo via The Inertia
There’s a lot of hate out there in the world, no small amount of which is often leveled at competitive surf judges. No idea what I’m talking about? Go check out any of the WSL’s Instagram posts from the El Salvador Pro, scroll through the comments, and if you...
“3 Tips to Grow Your Business With Short-Form Video” by Melissa Oppenheim Lano via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by fizkes The average person’s attention span has decreased over the years — with some experts saying it’s now under 10 seconds — due to the large amount of information constantly vying for their attention. Not only is it harder to keep people...
“TikTok creates program for small businesses” by Tatiana Walk-Morris via Retail Dive
Mario Tama / Staff via Getty Images Dive Brief: Joining other social platforms in releasing tools for small businesses, TikTok has created Follow Me, a six-week educational program from July 11 to Aug. 19 for small and midsize companies seeking to increase sales using...
“Will Yeezy find it easy to operate stores?” by Matthew Stern via Retail Wire
Sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts may soon have a new brick-and-mortar store to visit. YZYSPLY, the sneaker and apparel company of sometimes-controversial rapper, producer and fashion entrepreneur Kanye West, has filed a trademark hinting that a physical...
“Top 10 Visual Merchandising Secrets” by Melissa Stivale via Independent Retailer
Visual merchandising plays a pivotal role in converting sales at the store level. The concept seems simple: display inventory in an organized way that engages and informs customers. However, there should be a lot of thought and purposeful planning that goes into...
“True Employee Engagement is a Two-Way Street: Here’s How to Build It” by Gys Kappers via Total Retail
When it comes to nurturing a successful frontline team in a retail environment, employee engagement has to be a top priority. However, many employers find engagement to be a slippery, elusive quality. According to a 2021 study, 73 percent of employees would...
“‘Femme Ocean’ Tells the Stories of Four Women Breaking Boundaries in Surfing” by Staff via The Inertia
Maryam El Gardoum tears into a blue Moroccan wall. Photo: Femme Ocean. https://www.theinertia.com/?post_type=post&p=244780 The ocean nearly took my life,” says filmmaker Annika von Schütz. “Now it’s giving me life.” Premiering July 9 at the International Surf Film...