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.
“Complimentary Webinars hosted by the good people behind Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer” via SurfExpo.com
This series of complimentary webinars led by experts is designed to help Retailers combat and navigate through the challenges that COVID-19 has posted, and find success despite the obstacles ahead. We have partnered with Outdoor Retailer, ASD Market...
“Brain Floss: Paul Kobriger” via Transworld Skateboarding
April 10, 2020 This one’s amazing and special to us. Paul worked as our Marketing Director for several years and rediscovered his love and talent for illustration while at Transworld. We saw his hobby turn into a full blown artist’s awakening, and he even penned...
“Coastal Breeze Can Carry COVID-19 More Than 6 Feet, Says Virus Expert – IN CASE YOU NEEDED ONE MORE REASON TO STAY AWAY FROM THE BEACH” by Todd Prodanovich via Surfer Mag
Photo Credit: Grant EllisA perfect example of what not to do. Malibu crowds, sometime before the COVID-19 pandemic. Between stay-at-home orders, threats of fines for surfing and the off chance of getting shot at (if you happen to live in Costa Rica), there...
“Jeff Grosso R.I.P. 1968-2020” via Transworld Skateboarding
Today, legendary ’80s vert skater and host of Vans’ ” Loveletters To Skateboarding” Jeff Grosso passed away at his home (1968-2020). We don’t have any details right now, but our deepest condolences go out to his family, close friends, and all his fans around the world...
“Why Are Surfers Getting Shot At By Police In Costa Rica?” by Zander Morton via Surfer Mag
Photo Credit: Instagram - A frame from the viral video of a surfer being shot at by a police officer in Playa Hermosa., Costa Rica. LOCAL NOE MAR MCGONAGLE ON THE RECENT DRAMA AMID THE COUNTRY'S COVID-19 LOCKDOWN We’re all in this COVID-19 crisis together. Isn’t that...
“MY DOORS ARE CLOSED…..NOW WHAT??” by BRA Supporting Vendor Partner Dave Seehafer of Global Wave Ventures
(aka how to stay stoked during these crazy times!)In the past couple of weeks, I’ve had numerous conversations with specialty retailers across the nation to brainstorm ways to keep revenue flowing, customers happy, employees paid and much more. Here are a few ideas...
“Brands Find Varied Ways to Help Corona Virus Fight” via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this absolutely relevant Shop Eat Surf Article: Brands Find Varied Ways to Help Corona Virus Fight Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via this...
“How U.S. Surf Shops Are Trying to Adapt During COVID-19 Pandemic” by James Burke via Surfer Mag
IT’S FAR FROM BUSINESS AS USUAL AT OUR CULTURAL WATERING HOLES Many surf shops that have been around for decades, like Hansen's Surfboards, have taken a big hit in sales this month due to the COVID-10 outbreak. Photo credit: Hansens It’s hard times all around as we...
“Some Landlords Offering Rent Relief to Retailers” via Shop Eat Surf (plus rent relief request form letter template resource from Board Retailers Association)
Please click on the following link to view this absolutely relevant Shop Eat Surf Article: Some Landlords Offering Rent Relief to Retailers Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via...
“2020 Tokyo Olympics Will Be Postponed Due To Pandemic, According to IOC Member “ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION THE IOC HAS, POSTPONEMENT HAS BEEN DECIDED”” via Surfer Mag
Photo Credit: Moran Kolohe Andino might have to wait another year to chase gold. Just a month ago, at the end of February, rumors began circulating about the possible cancellation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games if the coronavirus continued to spread worldwide. A...
“FREE DROP SHIP COMMERCE FROM EXCHANGE COLLECTIVE”
BRA Supporting Vendor Partner, Exchange Collective, is here to help our BRA Retail Members BELOW IS A MESSAGE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE EXCHANGE COLLECTIVE. With retailers having to shut down, Exchange Collective wants to help be a part of a proactive solution to...
“Brand Leaders Paint Grim Picture of Current Challenges” via Shop Eat Surf (Executive Edition)
Photo courtesy of CDC Please click on the following link to view this somewhat disturbing Shop Eat Surf Article: Brand Leaders Paint Grim Picture of Current Challenges Please note that this particular article is a Shop Eat Surf Executive Edition article so you...
“Olympics Postponed and Hierarchy Breakdown” by Dave Carnie via Transworld Skateboarding
Editor’s Note: USA Today just confirmed that the Olympics have been postponed until 2021. This story highlights the cancellations prior to this news and the Hierarchy of the Olympics. On March 13, 2020, the World Skate site provided an update regarding the...
“How to Save your Local Gear Shop” via SNEWS
The coronavirus crisis has hit independent retailers hard. Let's make sure they (you) can weather the storm. Spread the message and help us save local retailers. As the coronavirus crisis spreads, independent retailers are hurting badly. (Even before this...
“IS IT SAFE TO SKATE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS?” via Jenkem Mag
by CHRISTIAN KERR Just a few months ago, when the first person died of a mysterious new form of the coronavirus in China, we were still arguing over the pretentious poetics of Verso. But now, with over 173,000 confirmed cases and nearly 7,000 deaths...
“Updated: Store Closures Mount, Independents Get Creative” via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this informative Shop Eat Surf Article: Updated: Store Closures Mount, Independents Get Creative Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via this...
“SIMA Award Winners Announced (including Retailers of the Year)” via SIMA email announcement
WINNERS FROM THE 16TH ANNUAL SIMA AWARDS More than 300 attendees from surf companies, specialty retail shops and friends of the industry attended the 16th Annual SIMA Awards on March 11, 2020 to cheer on and celebrate the outstanding innovations and contributions made...
“The WSL Cancels First World Tour Stop Due to Coronavirus” via Surfer Mag
ALL OTHER WSL EVENTS IN MARCH WILL ALSO BE CANCELED AS COVID-19 FEARS ESCALATE MARCH 12, 2020 BY ASHTYN DOUGLAS Photo Credit: Chachi The World Surf League just announced that due to the quickly escalating situation surrounding the COVID-19, all...
“AN INTERVIEW WITH A SKATER UNDER CORONAVIRUS QUARANTINE IN CHINA” via JENKEM Mag
MARCH 10, 2020 /NIC DOBIJA-NOOTENS Unlike most world news events, the COVID-19 coronavirus has already been affecting the skateboarding world. But in between wondering whether the Olympics will be postponed and whether we’ll even have to go to work anymore,...
“Is the Coronavirus Threatening Surfing’s Olympic Debut? IOC SENIOR OFFICIAL SAYS GAMES MAY BE CANCELED BECAUSE OF SPREADING VIRUS” via Surfer Mag
Photo Credit: Craig - Kolohe Andino The Tokyo Olympic Games are scheduled to open in five months on July 24. Japan is reportedly spending at least $25 billion to put the games together, twice what they budgeted for the events. 11,000 athletes are gearing up for Tokyo....
“HOW NIKE SB’S DUNK CULTURE AFFECTS SKATE SHOPS” via JENKEM Mag
MARCH 5, 2020 /IAN BROWNING The Travis Scott Dunks, which were released in skate shops last weekend, were a financial blessing for skate shops but also a headache for employees. Although shops posted detailed info on social media about how the shoes would...
“Introducing Team USA’s Olympic Skateboarding Uniforms via Transworld Skate” by Dave Carnie
As you surely know, Nike released their Olympic Skateboarding uniform collection last week for the four Olympic Skateboard Federations they sponsor: Brazil, France, Japan, and USA. Nike delivered a handsome apparel collection, but not everyone is pleased with it. The...
“CHRIS HASLAM LAUNCHED A NEW BOARD BRAND FOR CHARITY” via JENKEM Mag
BEN STODDARD & MIKE BRADLEY /VIDEOS Like sub-prime mortgages in the mid-2000s, there are way too many pro-skater-owned board brands today. So when we heard Chris Haslam was starting one to kind of stave off retirement, we didn’t think much. But unlike...
“How Burton and SPY Made Their Sales Contests Better in 2020”
Please click on the following link to view this informative Shop Eat Surf Article: How Burton and SPY Made Their Sales Contests Better in 2020 Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via this...
“Skateboarding improves mental health, helps build diverse relationships, USC study says” via LA Times
Julian Jeang-Agliardi jumps a ramp at Vans Off the Wall Skate Park on May 9 in Huntington Beach (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)By LA Times CITY NEWS SERVICE February 26, 2020 USC researchers have found multiple benefits in skateboarding, ranging from mental...
“Skateistan Documentary ‘Learning to Skateboard in a War Zone (if you’re a girl)’ Wins Oscar” by Transworld Skateboarding
Skateistan Documentary Wins Oscar February 14, 2020 By TWS This past Sunday night, “Learning To Skateboard In A Warzone (If you’re a girl)” a documentary about Skateistan’s operation in Kabul, Afghanistan won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject and the skate...
“Skate Shop Day” happens on Feb. 19th – FAQs & more
What is Skate Shop Day? Skate Shop Day, like Record Store Day and Comic Book Store Day, is the day that the skateboard community celebrates our cultural hubs, the foundations of every skate scene, the places that bring skaters together and act as the glue for...
“Never Mind the Internet. Here’s What’s Killing Malls. Yes, the internet has changed the way we shop. But taken together, other factors have caused greater harm to traditional retail stores, an economist says.” by Austan Goolsbee in The New York Times
By Austan Goolsbee Published Feb. 13, 2020 It has been a tough decade for brick-and-mortar retailers, and matters seem only to be getting worse. Despite a strong consumer economy, physical retailers closed more than 9,000 stores in 2019 — more than the total in 2018,...
“Evo is paving a new kind of future for outdoor retail” by Amelia Arveson via SNEWS
Evo is paving a new kind of future for outdoor retail By investing in real estate, adventures, youth, and its fellow retailers, evo founder Bryce Phillips is building a cohesive and complete adventure community. by AMELIA ARVESEN FEB 10, 2020 Evo’s story starts like...
Register for free webinar – Retail Outlook: Improve, Engagement, Profit, and Sustainability with Analytics (Feb 25th)
As the retail industry rapidly changes, a company’s ability to exceed customer expectations—from browsing experiences to delivery—continues to determine profit and sustainability. Join us for a webcast to learn how successful retailers are using advanced data to...
“SIMA Awards Finalists Announced”
Please click on the following link to view this excellent Shop Eat Surf Article: SIMA Awards Finalists Announced Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via this link: Shop Eat Surf
“Thoughts from Outdoor Retailer / Snow Show” by Jeff Harbaugh
Thoughts from Outdoor Retailer/Snow Show February 6, 2020 in Market Watch Column, Trade Shows by Jeff Harbaugh The first thing you think when you walk into the show is what an incredibly great idea it was to consolidate The Snow Show with Outdoor Retailer. The second...
“Danny Harf wins the Legend Award, the latest in wakeboarding’s most exclusive club, there has never been another Legend like Harf” by Wakeboarding Magazine
Danny Harf Wins The Legend Award The latest in wakeboarding’s most exclusive club, there has never been another Legend like Harf By Wakeboarding Magazine The Legend Award is arguably the biggest honor a wakeboarder can receive. Created at the inception of the Wake...
“Could Statistical Analysis Predict Who Will Win the Next ‘CT Event? HOW A PROFESSOR OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE USED A PREDICTIVE MODEL TO WIN FANTASY SURFER” by RAY BERGMAN via Surfer Mag
Could Statistical Analysis Predict Who Will Win the Next ‘CT Event? HOW A PROFESSOR OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE USED A PREDICTIVE MODEL TO WIN FANTASY SURFER JANUARY 31, 2020 BY RAY BERGMAN Each year since 2003, thousands of Fantasy Surfer players attempt to predict the...
“Brands that Won at Core Stores in 2019” via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this excellent Shop Eat Surf Article: Brands that Won at Core Stores in 2019 Please note that this particular article is a Shop Eat Surf Executive Edition article so you will need to sign up and pay for access before viewing....
“A Talk with Ron Jon Leaders at New Disney Springs Store” via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this excellent Shop Eat Surf Article: A Talk with Ron Jon Leaders at New Disney Springs Store Please note that this particular article is a Shop Eat Surf Executive Edition article so you will need to sign up and pay for...
“Shaping Icon Maurice Cole on Racism, Cancer and the Power of Surfing – The Australian Legend in his own words” by JUSTIN HOUSMAN via Surfer Mag
Shaping Icon Maurice Cole on Racism, Cancer and the Power of Surfing THE AUSTRALIAN LEGEND IN HIS OWN WORDS JANUARY 18, 2020 BY JUSTIN HOUSMAN Short film by Peter Baker The often cloistered, impenetrable surf world could use a lot more figures like Maurice Cole....
“SLS Announces 2020 World Skate Street League Skateboarding World Tour”
Please click on the following link to view this excellent Shop Eat Surf Article: SLS Announces 2020 World Skate Street League Skateboarding World Tour Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via this...
“SHACC is Turning 20”
Please click on the following link to view this excellent Shop Eat Surf Article: SHACC is Turning 20 Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via this link: Shop Eat Surf
“No Comply and the Austin Skate Community” via Parade
No Comply and the Austin Skate Community Owner, Elias Bingham, talks of the importance of the local skate shop Posted by Neil Chester6 min read Wednesday, January 15, 2020 No Comply is a skate shop located in Austin, Texas. As with all great skate shops, community is...
“Finland’s Finntastic Response To World Skate” by Dave Carnie via Transworld Skateboarding
Finland’s Finntastic Response To World Skate January 9, 2020 By Dave Carnie The Finnish Skateboarding Association found a clever way to repel the roller derby junta’s invasion of their country’s skate scene. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) resolved the...
“A Comprehensive Guide to Airline Board Bag Fees in 2020 PLANNING TO TRAVEL WITH SURFBOARDS THIS YEAR? CHOOSE YOUR AIRLINE WISELY” By ZANDER MORTON of Surfer Magazine
A Comprehensive Guide to Airline Board Bag Fees in 2020 PLANNING TO TRAVEL WITH SURFBOARDS THIS YEAR? CHOOSE YOUR AIRLINE WISELY JANUARY 7, 2020 BY ZANDER MORTON For better or for worse, surfing is more widespread than it’s ever been. Whether thanks to the WSL’s...
“2019 Wake Awards – Wakeskate Trick of the Year – The best wakeskate tricks of the year, compiled for your viewing pleasure” by Wakeboarding Magazine
Wakeskating progression is always some of the most mind blowing, and for 2019 the Wake Awards Wakeskate Trick of the Year reel is one of the craziest yet. This video contains all the craziest tricks of the year, and it is beyond impressive. We owe a special...
“Danny Way Talks Olympics and Absence Of The Mega” by Mackenzie Eisenhour via Transworld Skateboarding
Danny Way Talks Olympics And Absence Of The Mega December 20, 2019 By Mackenzie Eisenhour This is part 3 of my ongoing conversations about the upcoming Olympics (Read Part 1 with Josh Friedberg here and Part 2 with Tony Hawk here). Skateboarding being in the Olympics...
“This Shop Was Ground Zero For One of The Greatest Advancements in Surfboard Tech ‘SURF SHOP CHRONICLES’ TAKES A TRIP TO DANA POINT’S ICONIC HOBIE SURF SHOP” via Surfer
This Shop Was Ground Zero For One of The Greatest Advancements in Surfboard Tech “SURF SHOP CHRONICLES” TAKES A TRIP TO DANA POINT'S ICONIC HOBIE SURF SHOP DECEMBER 17, 2019 BY SURFER MAGAZINE In the 1950’s, when most surfboards were still made out of heavy balsa...
“SURF EXPO MINI RAMP JAM, Skaters compete for cash and prizes!” via SurfExpo.com
SURF EXPO MINI RAMP JAM Skaters compete for cash and prizes! All I Need Skate & World Industries will be hosting an EPIC Game of Skate & Mini Ramp Jam at Surf Expo. Judges will include legendary pro’s Anthony Shetler and Florida’s own Timmy Knuth as well as...
“Six resourceful books that could help you to improve your retail operation” by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)
As a former shop / skatepark owner myself, I strive to make relevant suggestions, create beneficial programs, introduce solutions oriented vendors and provide strategic resources that help our members to lower expenses, increase profit margins and create more...
“The Surfer Awards Fan Favorite Poll Results Are In…And Some Are Shocking” by TODD PRODANOVICH via Surfer
The Surfer Awards Fan Favorite Poll Results Are In…And Some Are Shocking YOUR CHOICES FOR BEST SURFER, MOVIE OF THE YEAR, BEST BARREL AND MORE FOR 2019 DECEMBER 10, 2019 BY TODD PRODANOVICH In case you hadn’t heard, last Thursday was the capital-b Biggest Night in...
“BRA Regional Retailer Roundtable Highlight Reel (SHACC Nov 2019)” filmed and edited by Noah Schuler
Such an outstanding event. Massive thanks to the Distinguished Panel and Supporting Event Partners including Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, Locally, Solite Boots, Action Watch, Exchange Collective and Sambazon as well as all of the Retailers, Brands and Vendors...
“Jon Comer, Pioneer of Adaptive Skateboarding, dies at age 43” via ESPN (X-Games.com)
ESPN Images Considered the godfather of adaptive skateboarding, Jon Comer's influence on skateboarding transcended boundaries and pushed the awareness of adaptive skating to the forefront. Jon Comer, the first pro skateboarder with a prosthetic leg, died on Thursday,...
“BRA Releases Recap Video of Retailer Roundtable” (SHACC Nov 2019 – Filmed and edited by Noah Schuler)
The Board Retailers Association (BRA), a non-profit organization representing independently owned surf, skate, snow, sup and wake retailers, announces the release of the Recap video that showcases the recent BRA Regional Retailer Roundtable Event which was held...
“Snowboarding visionary Jake Burton Carpenter dies at 65” by Eddie Pells (AP) and Dan D’Ambrosio (Burlington Free Press)
Eddie Pells, Associated Press and Dan D'Ambrosio, Burlington Free Press Whether you had a gold medal hanging from your neck, were just learning how to stand on a snowboard, or were one of those flustered skiers wondering where all the kids in the baggy pants were...
“Some ways to boost holiday sales (AND MARGINS)!” by Dave Seehafer of Global Wave Ventures (BRA Supporting Vendor Partner)
Some ways to boost holiday sales (AND MARGINS)! Importance of specialty store “experience”—think Apple, Nike, Starbucks! --this is your time to shine—share passion & stoke, offer product insight --give incredible customer service—i.e. free local delivery,...
“Will Inflatable Artificial Reefs Turn Lackluster Beaches Into Pumping Peaks? The “Airwave” will soon be making its debut in West Oz” by Ashtyn Douglas via SURFER
A little over a year ago, a Yallingup-based surfer named Troy Bottegal started a Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund the creation and launch of a new artificial reef structure he’s been prototyping over the last decade. Similar to artificial reef projects of the...
“Meet the USA Skateboarding National Team That May (Or May Not) Go To The Olympics” by Dave Carnie in Transworld Skateboarding
October 28, 2019 By Dave Carnie You may have heard that the 2019-2020 USA National Skateboard Championships were held last weekend (10/18) at the California Skateparks Training Facility (CA|TF) in Vista, CA, and that USA Skateboarding (USAS, or “Us Ass” as I like to...
Exposure Skate Open 2019 (A Women’s Benefit Event) in Huntington Beach on Nov. 2nd via ExposureSkate.org
Each year, Exposure presents Exposure: A Women’s Benefit Event to bring opportunity and visibility to women who embody courage and strength. Over 170 female skaters from around the world come to Encinitas, California (near San Diego) for the opportunity to share their...
“HOW SHOULD BRANDS BE RELEASING THEIR VIDEOS?” by ALEXIS CASTRO via JENKEM MAG
Without a doubt, the biggest and most popular skate media partner today is Thrasher, which boasts the highest following of any skateboarding outlet at over 5 million Instagram followers and over 2 million YouTube subscribers. This wasn’t always the case, but...
“Board Retailers Association (BRA) Announces Regional Retailer Roundtable” via ShopEatSurf.com
The Board Retailers Association (BRA), a non-profit organization representing independently owned surf, skate, snow, sup and wake retailers, announces a Regional Retailer Roundtable to be held at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (www.shacc.org) in San Clemente,...
“Tony Hawk On Why The Olympics Snubbed Vert” by Mackenzie Eisenhour via Transworld Skateboarding
Traditional vert is dead, at least to the Olympics. As detailed in our Olympics: Fact From Fiction article last month, neither vert nor mega ramp will be represented in Tokyo next year. Instead, the two ‘disciplines’ will be “park” and “street.” The reasons behind the...
BREAKING: Outdoor Retailer cancels November show, The Winter Market is being united with the January Snow Show by Amelia Arvesen via SNEWS
The November show will not go on, Outdoor Retailer announced on its website on Wednesday. The Winter Market was scheduled for Nov. 5 to 7, but it is now being united with Snow Show slated for Jan. 29 to 31, 2020 in Denver. “We care deeply about our community, and...