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.
“WHAT’S FUELING SKATEBOARDING’S CURRENT BOOM?” by Ian Browning via Jenkem Mag
Do you get the feeling that there are a lot more people skating lately than ever before? And I’m not just talking little kids, it seems like all sorts of folks are suddenly rolling around. At my local, Brower Park, where the basketball courts were stripped of hoops,...
“How Digital Signage Can Improve The In-Store Experience” by Bobby Marhamat via Independent Retailer
Prices matter, but for the consumers of today, numbers are less important than the experiences that surround them. In the new age of commerce, both online and in stores, shoppers usually have several options for where to buy. Using their smartphones, they can stand in...
“Derek Ho, first Hawaiian male world surfing champ, dead at 55” by Dennis Romero via NBC News plus “ONE OF SURFING’S ALL-TIME GREATS DIED AFTER SUFFERING A HEART ATTACK” and “The Surf Community Remembers Pipe Legend Derek Ho” via Surfer Mag
Derek Ho at the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship on Sept. 20, 2018, in Praia de Santa Barbara, Sao Miguel, Portugal. Laurent Masurel / World Surf League via Getty Images He belonged to a noted Hawaiian family that included brother Michael, also a top pro...
“How the COVID-19 Coin Shortage is Affecting Retailers” by Ashley Chiaradio via Total Retail
Photo Credit: Getty Images by Chuck Cross / EyeEm Some brick-and-mortar retailers are obligating customers to allow cashiers to keep their change as the U.S. experiences a coin shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PYMNTS reported. Recently, grocery chain Kroger...
“Wakesurfing: Tips on How to Get Started” via Discover Boating plus a message from our friends at the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) about #PassTheHandle Day (this Sunday)
One of the greatest things about wakesurfing is that the wave is yours—all yours. You don’t need to battle with other surfers for territory or stake your claim to a wave by “dropping in first.” In wakesurfing, you own the wave for as long as you care to ride it—and as...
“What’s Selling at Heritage Surf?” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Heritage Surf in Sea Isle City, New Jersey - Photo courtesy of Heritage Please click on the following link to view this relevant Shop Eat Surf Article containing commentary from Jamie Heritage of BRA Distinguished Retail Member Heritage Surf: What’s Selling at...
“ActionWatch Shares Results From Recent Retailer Survey” with Vipe Desai via PropagandaHQ.net
We had a quick chat with Patrik Schmidle from ActionWatch where he shared key takeaways from a recent survey with retailers across the country. Business was good for board sports retailers in 2019 and that momentum carried over to the first...
“8 ARTISTS RE-IMAGINE THE INDEPENDENT LOGO” by Christian Kerr via Jenkem Mag
Have you ever heard the debate about the Indy logo? It’s been a conversation inside the skate community for years, if not decades. Some say it looks strikingly similar to something the Nazis used to rock, while others argue the symbol has a significance that predates...
“Keys to Understanding Flat-Rate Shipping Options” by Rob Zaleski via Total Retail
As of November 2019, all three major carriers — USPS, FedEx, and UPS — now offer flat-rate shipping options. This begs two questions: One, should you be using flat-rate shipping? And if so, which carrier’s flat-rate shipping options should you choose and when? Below...
“Live Wire” presented by Building The Revolution via www.PropagandaHQ.net
Click on the following links to listen to a recent recorded updates (each recording is under six minutes long) from a variety of board specialty retailers: Live Wire presented by Building The Revolution - July 13th Live Wire presented by Building The Revolution - July...
“Core Retailers Much More Optimistic After Big Rebound – Action Watch has been surveying core retailers during the COVID-19 crisis” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this relevant Shop Eat Surf Article containing statistics and commentary from BRA Supporting Vendor Partner Action Watch: Core Retailers Much More Optimistic After Big Rebound Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf...
“Challenging Times in Hawaii for Those that Cater to Tourists” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this Shop Eat Surf News Article (mentioning BRA Distinguished Retail Member Hi-Tech Surf): Challenging Times in Hawaii for Those that Cater to Tourists Please note that this article is a Shop Eat Surf Executive Edition...
“The Reopening of Retail: Which Pandemic Changes Will Stores Keep?” by Bobby Maharmat via Total Retail
The COVID-19 pandemic drove customers away from stores, shut down businesses, and ground the global economy to a screeching halt. Now that the world has begun to return, retailers must think strategically to prevent temporary disruption from becoming a permanent end....
“How to run a store in a pandemic – It’s possible to safely operate brick-and-mortar retail, experts say. But with that comes great responsibility, and some consumers aren’t making it easy” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive
As the United States marked a subdued Independence Day last weekend, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to surge in many places, prompting governors of several states to implement or reinstate strict protocols meant to combat it. Most of the latest restrictions...
“Outdoor Retailer SVP on Launching First Digital Show” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this important Shop Eat Surf Article about the next OR Trade Show: Outdoor Retailer SVP on Launching First Digital Show Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles...
“The Tony Hawk Foundation Is Now THE SKATEPARK PROJECT” by TWS
The Tony Hawk Foundation has announced a change in name, but not in focus. Now known as The Skatepark Project, the organization continues its award-winning work to support community skatepark projects across the U.S., and skatepark-based programming internationally....
““She Surf” Is An Enlightening Look at Women’s Surfing – A NEW BOOK SHINES A BRIGHT LIGHT ON SOME OF SURFING’S MOST INSPIRING WAVE SLIDERS” by Zander Morton via Surfer Mag
“Women now make up between 20 to 30 percent of surfers, and that number continues to grow,” writes professional surfer/writer Lauren Hill, in the foreword to her new book, “She Surf”. “As girls are given the opportunity and support to engage with the sport, and...
“WHAT YOUR GRIPTAPE STYLE SAYS ABOUT YOU” by MAX OLIJNYK via Jenkem Mag
If you’re anything like me, you’re itching to skate that shiny new board you impulse-bought online. And with every new board comes the question: how should I grip it? With all this spare time on your hands, you should set aside an hour or so to do something special,...
“Global Skateboard Sales Surge Outstrips Supply” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf (Executive Edition)
Please click on the following link to view this relevant Shop Eat Surf Article: Global Skateboard Sales Surge Outstrips Supply Please note that this article is a Shop Eat Surf Executive Edition article so you will need to sign up and pay for access before...
“Will Online Appointments Replace Face-to-Face Shopping?” by John Federman via Total Retail
The whole state of retail is in flux — and it's anybody’s guess what the future holds for consumers, retailers and shopping, especially as the holiday season approaches. All we know is that consumers and retailers alike want to get back to normal. But what will normal...
“Rolling For Rights Recap | San Diego” photos by Blair Allie and Jaime Owens via Transworld Skateboarding
Wow! First and foremost I want to give a major shout out to everyone involved in making this possible: Tyrone Olson, Shuriken Shannon, Brandon Turner, Alfonso Huey, Zack Dowdy, Khalid Alexander, Xpress it, and the San Diego skateboard community. What a great success!...
“Surf Expo Learning Labs -powered by Retail X and #StandUp4Retail (complimentary live and on-demand webinars)”
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, RetailX, ASD Market...
“Copy-writing Masterclass: Captivate Your Customers with Compelling Copy” webinar on-demand via PropagandaHQ.net
In this webinar, content marketing experts Peter Abraham and Phat X. Chiem the marketing brains behind the brand communications agency, Marlowe, will show you examples of superb copywriting and explain why they work. You'll learn how to...
“Why the Surf Industry Is On the Cusp of a Surprising Upturn Despite a Battered Economy” by Sam George via The Inertia
The surf shop has always been at surfing’s core. And the core, it seems, is what has made it through this pandemic. Photo: Ocean Hut Surf Shop Surfers have long cherished the conceit that simply by stepping off the shore and paddling out into the waves they leave...
“U.S. Retail Sales Rebound More Than Expected in May” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this relevant Shop Eat Surf Article: U.S. Retail Sales Rebound More Than Expected in May Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and Resourceful Articles regularly via this link: Shop...
“The Southern California Surfing Community Gathers En Masse for Racial Justice – A CELEBRATION OF GEORGE FLOYD’S LIFE AND A CALL TO END RACISM” by KATIE RODRIGUEZ via Surfer Mag
“This has been the hardest week in my 48 years on this planet. This has been the hardest week to exist in my skin, and in my blackness. It has been that way for all of us, to have this skin: to wonder what it is … and ask whether or not we get to be Americans like...
“Core Store Sales Better than Expected in May” by Action Watch via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this relevant Shop Eat Surf Article from BRA Supporting Vendor Partner Action Watch: Core Store Sales Better than Expected in May Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable Industry News and...
“Fighting Racism and Becoming Better Allies” by Melissa Campanelli via Total Retail
Welcome to this week's Retail Resources. This week, I'm dedicating this post to what I believe are valuable resources to help retail business leaders fight racism and become better allies. If there's anything you would like me to share in a future post, let me...
“Training Sales Associates in the Post-COVID World” by ENDVR via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this absolutely relevant Shop Eat Surf Article about BRA Supporting Vendor Partner ENDVR: Training Sales Associates in the Post-COVID World Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable...
“HOW TWO SHOPS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE PANDEMIC” by LARRY LANZA via JENKEM MAG
It’s no secret that, prior to the pandemic, one of the greatest things about a skateshop was its fixture as a hub for the community, serving as a place to hang out, talk shit, and ask for a pivot cup or spare bearing or something. But with the shutdowns, shops have to...
“Five retail experts—from Nike, Athleta, and more—on how stores and brands can survive the COVID-19 era” by Elizabeth Segran via Fast Company
10 MINUTE READ For Fast Company’s Shape of Tomorrow series, we’re asking business leaders to share their inside perspective on how the COVID-19 era is transforming their industries. Here’s what’s been lost—and what could be gained—in the new world...
“Facebook and Instagram Launch Shops for Businesses” by Kristina Stidham via Total Retail
Facebook and Instagram have launched a new Shop feature, allowing consumers to make purchases directly on businesses' Facebook pages or Instagram profiles, reports TechCrunch. The social network's (Facebook own Instagram) new tools go further than its previous...
“Bright Spots Emerge at Core Retail” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this absolutely relevant Shop Eat Surf Article (about BRA Distinguished Retail Member Hi-Tech Surf Shop): Bright Spots Emerge At Core Retail Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable...
“Reopening Your Store after Covid-19: The Things You Are Not Yet Thinking About” – Relevant Webinar (Now Available On Demand) brought to you by Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys and Board Retailers Association
In this valuable webinar, Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys (https://www.retailsmartguys.com) will provide some guidance for independent retailers like you to help open your stores after Covid-19. This super informative webinar will cover store layouts, staffing,...
“See Which States Are Reopening and Which Are Still Shut Down” By Sarah Mervosh, Jasmine C. Lee, Lazaro Gamio and Nadja Popovich (Updated May 21, 2020)
Since late April, when the first states began to lift restrictions put in place to curb the coronavirus outbreak, a new pattern has played out across America: The number of new cases of the coronavirus continues to grow, as does the number of people returning to...
“Facebook debuts Shops e-commerce initiative for small businesses” by Robert Williams via Retail Dive
Brief: Facebook unveiled Facebook Shops, a new feature to help small businesses in the U.S. turn their social media profiles into digital storefronts. Businesses can set up a single online store for customers to access on Facebook's core social network and...
“Hi-Tech Owner on Business Trends Since Hawaii Opened Up” via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this absolutely relevant Shop Eat Surf Article (about BRA Distinguished Retail Member Hi-Tech Surf Shop): Hi-Tech Owner on Business Trends Since Hawaii Opened Up Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to...
“New Survey Results Show Core Retailers As More Optimistic” provided by Action Watch (BRA Supporting Vendor Partner)
Thanks to Action Watch for supporting BRA as a Supporting Vendor Partner and for providing the following intel directly to our organization. The following survey results represent the status for independent surf and skate specialty retailers during the first week of...
“Introducing The Shop Local Project” via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this Shop Eat Surf Article: Introducing TheShopLocalProject.com BRA note: This helpful non-profit initiative was created by BRA Supporting Vendor Partner ENDVR.io and is backed by Board Retailers Association...
“COVID-19 is Spurring a New Kind of Localism – FOR ONCE, DISCOURAGING OUT-OF-TOWN SURFERS IS ABOUT MORE THAN LOCALS’ WAVE COUNT” by ZANDER MORTON via Surfer Mag
Photo Credit: Grant Ellis - As beaches reopen, some surfers try to regulate their local lineups to avoid overcrowding during the COVID crisis In March, coastal communities around the world closed their beaches in an attempt to curb group gatherings and stop the spread...
“Ron Jon President on Store Openings” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Please click on the following link to view this absolutely relevant Shop Eat Surf Article (about BRA Distinguished Retail Member Ron Jon's Surf Shop): Ron Jon's President on Store Openings Be sure to visit the Shop Eat Surf website to view valuable...
“Retail Recovery Playbook” – Courtesy of Retail Smart Guys and Management One
Click the following link to view this excellent strategic retail resource courtesy of Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys and the awesome people at Management One: Retail Recovery Playbook If you would like access to more resources that help you to lower day to day...
“Skateparks Filled With Sand, So What, Shut Up And Skate – Venice and San Clemente skateparks get filled in with sand, here’s why it’s okay” by Jaime Owens via Transworld Skateboarding
When videos of the San Clemente and Venice, CA skateparks getting filled with sand went viral last week, many in the skateboarding population and beyond had real negative reactions – the outrage was fast, extreme, and polarizing. There was a lot of online...
“See Which States Are Reopening and Which Are Still Shut Down” By Sarah Mervosh, Jasmine C. Lee, Lazaro Gamio and Nadja Popovich via The New York Times
After weeks of shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, the nation is beginning to slowly open up. Beaches and state parks are reopening to visitors, spurring concerns about overcrowding. The first barbers have returned to work, masks over their faces. Even some...
“LIBERATING SKATE SPOTS WITH THE KNOB BUSTER” via Jenkem Mag
Skate stoppers are an unfortunate reality for skaters, but if you live in Southern California, you now have a masked hero who is alleviating these pains by unknobbing spots all across Los Angeles County for skaters to enjoy. The Knob Buster, as he’s known, prefers to...
“What’s Selling at Aqua East?” via Shop Eat Surf (Executive Edition)
Please click on the following link to view this excellent Shop Eat Surf Article: What’s Selling at Aqua East? Please note that this article featuring BRA Distinguished Retailer Aqua East Surf Shop is a Shop Eat Surf Executive Edition article so you will need to...
“U.S. Supreme Court Delivers Victory for the Clean Water Act!” by Angela Howe via Surfrider Foundation
Surfrider Foundation and our co-plaintiffs in the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund v. County of Maui case are celebrating an important victory today with the decision to protect water quality and the intent of the Clean Water Act by the United States Supreme...
“Core Retailer Survey on Ability to Survive Crisis” provided by Action Watch (BRA Supporting Vendor Partner)
Thanks to Action Watch for supporting BRA as a Supporting Vendor Partner and for providing the following intel directly to our organization. Thanks again to Action Watch for supporting BRA as Supporting Vendor Partner and for providing this intel directly to our...
“Jeff Kearl on How Pandemic May Change Industry Going Forward” via Shop Eat Surf (Executive Edition)
Please click on the following link to view this excellent Shop Eat Surf Article: Jeff Kearl On How Pandemic May Change Industry Going Forward Please note that this particular article is a Shop Eat Surf Executive Edition article so you will need to sign up and...
“Businesses Look to Government Lifelines in Order to Survive” by Andrew Asch via Apparel News
Like thousands of other businesses, Pocket Square Clothing, a maker of suiting accessories and bespoke clothing, had to furlough its staff because of the COVID-19 crisis. PSC co-founders Rodolfo Ramirez and Andrew Cheung saw their business come to a sudden halt...
“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...