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.
“How To Enjoy Cold-Water Surfing – Tips and tricks to keep spirits up when the temperature drops.” by August Howell via Surfer.com
While surfing is generally considered a warm water sport, temperature need not dictate your enjoyment of the ocean. In fact, if you can brave the elements encased in rubber, you’d stand a much better chance of scoring uncrowded perfection. The only problem is staying...
“7 Ways How To Grow Your Retail Sales The Week After Christmas” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
1. Greeting Customers Greet at the Door: Have someone greet people when they enter your retail store to tell them what is on sale with, "Good morning. The whole store is 20 percent off." You want to interrupt them before they get to the counter wanting their...
“Nike CEO: Wholesale partners ‘feel we’ve turned our back on them’” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive
A Nike store at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles. CEO Elliott Hill said he traveled extensively in his first two months in the role to get a sense of the retailer’s operations. Cara Salpini/Retail Dive Elliott Hill, who just took over the top spot in October,...
“Unplugged: The Real Reason Your Store Associates Can’t Connect With Customers” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
.A silent revolution is taking place. It's not about the latest technology or the newest product trends. Instead, it's about something more fundamental: how we interact — or don't interact — with each other in retail stores.I've witnessed the power of effective...
“Is Surfing an Art Form? Former Z-Boy Stacy Peralta Thinks So” by Owen James Burke via Surfer.com
The skateboard virtuoso and documentary filmmaker on why surfing, skating and well, everything, is a creative endeavor If you ask documentary filmmaker Stacy Peralta, everything in life can be approached as art, down to the most menial of vocations, the most rote and...
“3 Ways Retailers Can Capitalize on Holiday Sales” by Amber Hovious via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by zeljkosantrac It’s that time of the year when sales take on new horizons and retailers have the opportunity to capitalize on fresh consumer enthusiasm during the holiday season. The festive period is here, and retailers must prepare and refine...
“Mastering Email Deliverability for Successful Holiday Campaigns” by Dana Carr via Total Retail
Credit Getty Images by D3sign For marketers, no time is more crucial than the holiday season to connect with consumers through personalized offers and messages. This year, personalization is more powerful than ever, with Optimove Insights data showing a 227 percent...
“Vans’ New Retail Strategy is Filled With Life and Skate Ramps” by Hikmat Mohammed via Footwear News
The Vans store on Oxford Street. - Tom D Morgan The U.K. is one of the brand's biggest markets and it’s often an early adopter in the direction that the brand is heading in. Vans is returning back to its skateboarding roots, and that comes with a...
“Winners and losers of Black Friday 2024” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive
A worker stands inside an apparel store at the American Dream Mall on Friday. Sister mega-center Mall of America said that more than 13,000 shoppers came through the doors in the first hour it was open on Black Friday. Kena Betancur via Getty Images With deals all...
“Train or Drain: The Real Cost of Untrained Retail Staff” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Today, we're discussing a topic close to my heart and crucial for your bottom line: employee sales training, especially for high-revenue stores. Now, I know what some of you are thinking. "Bob, my store is pulling in over a million in gross revenue. We're doing just...
“Why some retail has been resilient against Amazon – It’s about the products — and the people” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive
Longfellow Books in Portland, Maine, is one of about 15 independent bookstores in the area. It has remained family-owned for almost 25 years, about how long Amazon has been in the bookselling business. Daphne Howland/Retail Dive There may be nothing that Amazon...
“Shoppers’ online fraud fears escalate” by Patrick Cooley via Retail Dive
Fraud involving stolen credit cards is now a top concern of consumers, according to a recent survey from Experian. Joe Raedle / Staff via Getty Images Four in five consumers are worried about identity theft or someone stealing their credit card numbers, according to...
“Will Gift Cards Dominate the 2024 Holiday Season?” by Jon Houke via Retail Wire
The 2024 holiday shopping season is almost in full swing, and many consumers plan to skip the traditional gift this year, opting to give away gift cards instead. As tighter budgets, increased credit card payments, and higher prices apply pressure to shopping habits,...
“A deal that would change the future of skateboarding forever” by Cole Nowicki via Simple Magic
At the beginning of October, Marc Roca, the CEO of Inversal, a company that "find[s] high-potential distressed e-commerce brands... acquire[s] and perform[s] a cost-cutting turnaround to each distressed brand, and make[s] sure lenders are paid...
“17 Ways Your Store Might Be Driving Customers Away” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Have you ever walked into a retail store and thought, "Yikes, I hope my shop doesn't look like this?" We've all been there. Store owners sometimes get so caught up in day-to-day operations that they overlook things that are probably less relevant to their most loyal...
“Unlocking the Power of Engaged Retail Employees” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
The Importance of Employee Engagement According to Axonify's 2024 seasonal hiring survey, almost 60 percent of retail managers state that the quality of applicants this year regarding skill set, professionalism, and job-related experience is much lower than last...
“Rest in Peace, Patti McGee: A True Skateboarding Icon (1945-2024)” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding plus Skateboarding Hall of Fame archive chronicling the life and impact of this tremendous skateboarding legend
The skateboarding world is heartbroken by the news of legendary Patti McGee's passing on October 17, 2024. An icon, an innovator, a skateboarder, and a straight-up badass, Patti's influence on skateboarding will live on forever. All of skateboarding felt this one....
“Experiences bring shoppers in-store. How can retailers stand out?” by Bryan Wassel via Retail Dive
SDI Productions via Getty Images A majority of consumers visit stores for the experience, according to a Ryder survey. The kind of experience they want can differ, from picking up orders to seeking associate advice. Dive Brief: Shoppers, particularly younger ones,...
“Why Next Gens Buy During Times of Cautious Spending” by Jasmine Glasheen via The Robin Report
If you haven’t been bombarded by statistics about next-gen cautious shopping behavior lately, then you’re probably in a news blackout orbiting around our planet on SpaceX alongside its overlord, Elon. The statistics are everywhere. What isn’t reported, however, is a...
“2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge Women’s Surfer of the Year Nominees and more” by August Howell via Surfer Magazine
Shipstern Bluff barrels, Puerto Escondido tubes and paddling Nazaré’s notorious right. These were the moments that earned Laura Enever, Katie McConnell and Bianca Valenti nominations for the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge Women’s Surfer of the Year. You can find out...
“Gen AI and the Top Fraud Trends Retailers Can’t Ignore This Holiday Season” by James Bruni via Total Retail
Credit: iStock.com by iStock.com As retailers leverage online shopping options for busy customers this holiday season, they’re finding that industry-wide, sales are up (and continuing to rise), and the industry is expected to exceed $6 trillion in sales this...
“CSEF Awards $90,000 in College Scholarships to 35 Skateboarders” via Press Release on Shop Eat Surf
PRESS RELEASES | Published Oct 3, 2024 The College Skateboarding Educational Foundation (CSEF) has officially awarded $90,000 in college scholarships to 35 skateboarders studying in the U.S. in this year’s scholarship class. While skateboarders pursuing college...
“Paul Kobriger—Skateboard Lifer, Artist, and Sixes and Sevens (BRA Retail Member) Shop Owner” by Blair Alley via TWS
Screen shot from YouTube video New episode of CORE shows the talent and dedication of one of skateboarding's most dedicated skateshop owners You ought to know Paul Kobriger from his many years of working in the skateboard industry. From TransWorld to CCS to...
“Enhancing Accessibility: Guide for Retailers to Create Inclusive Shopping Experiences” by Cameron Ward via Guest Blog
Image via Freepik Retail businesses stand at the forefront of innovation in our digital age – not just for what they sell but also how they sell. Creating an accessible shopping experience is paramount to embracing diversity and ensuring everyone, regardless of their...
“Outdoor Retailer To Move to One June Show Per Year” by Tiffany Montgomery via The Daily & ShopEatSurf.com
Photo by Keith Fearnow, courtesy of Outdoor Retailer. Outdoor Retailer is announcing some big news today – they are moving to one annual show in June rather than having two shows each year. That means OR November 2024 will not stage in a few months. The Daily asked...
“How to Greet Customers in Retail Stores and Keep Them Engaged” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
The first few seconds of a customer’s visit to a retail store are critical to setting the tone for their entire shopping experience. Too often, store associates miss this opportunity to create a lasting impression because they’re distracted or unsure how to engage....
“Retailers Applaud DOJ Antitrust Suit Over Visa Debit Card Practices” by Joe Keenan via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by RUNSTUDIO The National Retail Federation (NRF) welcomed a lawsuit announced Tuesday by the Department of Justice accusing Visa of violating federal antitrust law in its debit card practices but said the card network’s anticompetitive...
“B.R.A. MEMBER FLEECE SPECIAL from GLOBAL WAVE VENTURES” by Dave Seehafer via GWV Blog
FLEECE SPECIAL FOR B.R.A. MEMBERS now thru end of September 2024 50% FREIGHT DISCOUNT ON ALL FLEECE ORDERS FLEECE PRODUCT INFO IS ATTACHED! FLEECE SPECIAL FOR B.R.A. MEMBERS now thru end of September 2024 CALL DAVE SEEHAFER, 949-466-4110 for more...
“Nike Downsizes Annual ‘Just Do It’ Day This Year” by Shoshy Ciment via Footwear News
Drake hosting the 2022 Nike Maxim Award Show at JDI Day in Beaverton, Ore. CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike Nike Inc. will not be celebrating its annual “Just Do It” Day, an employee-focused celebration on its Beaverton, Ore. campus, in the same way this year as in years...
“Caity Simmers Releases Behind-the-Scenes Look at Her Maiden World Title” by Evan Quarnstrom via The Inertia
Ever since Caity Simmers burst on to the scene with an ISA Junior gold medal in 2018, it was clear that she was destined for greatness. Her flow, commitment, style, and demeanor (reminiscent of John John and Dane, many pundits said) were lightyears beyond...
“The flashy and painful parts” by Cole Nowicki via Simple Magic
One thing that is certain is the uncertainty of our shared history, especially in the online age. Like a scar or a gaudy gold ring, the past only exists if we carry it with us and show it to everyone we can. There have always been those who’d rather not, instead,...
“17 Ways Your Store Might Be Driving Customers Away” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Have you ever walked into a retail store and thought, "Yikes, I hope my shop doesn't look like this?" We've all been there. Store owners sometimes get so caught up in day-to-day operations that they overlook things that are probably less relevant to their most loyal...
“The Retention Revolution: How Retailers Can Turn the Tide on Employee Exodus” by Sheila Stafford via Total Retail
High turnover rates and staffing challenges have long characterized the retail industry. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found the average rate of retail employee turnover to be around 60 percent in the U.S. — far exceeding the national average by a...
“Mastering the Margins: How to Price for Profitability in Retail” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
I recently asked my Facebook fans what price they would retail an item for if they purchased it for $50. I had answers ranging from $200 to $83.50 with all kinds of reasoning, like someone trying to be funny: "It depends on if the moon is full or not." But making...
“Kelly Slater Gets Heartfelt Homage in ‘GROM to GOAT’” by Cooper Gogan via The Inertia
The WSL paid tribute to the GOAT with a heartfelt Kelly Slater career retrospective. Photo: WSL // YouTube It’s hard to overstate Kelly Slater’s dominance in the sport of surfing. He’s won the championship 11 times and holds the distinction of being both the...
“Untailing: The Latest in Sales Prevention” by Warren Shoulberg via The Robin Report
In the beginning, when you went into a store, a salesclerk took your order and returned some time later from the back room with your items for purchase. You handed over cash, he wrapped your order, and you went on your way. There were no issues about retail theft or...
“Co-founder of IPATH on Reinvigorating an Established Brand” interview conducted by Maria Contino via Shop Eat Surf
Brian Krauss, co-founder of IPATH. Courtesy of IPATH Maria Contino of Rosenthal & Rosenthal sits down with Brian Krauss, co-founder of IPATH, the iconic skate brand slated to make a major comeback later this year. The two talk about changes in the...
“How the Streetwear Customer Is Evolving” by Lei Takanashi via The Business of Fashion
Customers shopping at Supreme's store in Shanghai. (Getty Images) Streetwear is by no means dead, but its customers are changing. Today they’re embracing a diverse wardrobe that mixes logo T-shirts with heritage brands and traditional menswear or luxury. KEY...
“Rising Retail Pricing Pressures Mandate an Elevated Emphasis on Cost Reduction Strategies” by Ryan Swiderski via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by vittaya25 Despite recent progress in reducing inflation, prices are still high and consumers remain under pressure. Excess savings accumulated during the pandemic have been depleted for a substantial part of the population and credit card...
“Motivation Beyond Paying Retail Sales Commission: 3 Ways To Get Employees To Sell” by Bob Phibbs via Retail Doctor Blog
How to motivate retail employees … It’s a subject retailers routinely ask about. My answer is always the same: You don’t. That might sound strange to hear from a motivational speaker, so let me explain. You can try to motivate a retail employee with...
“Here’s What Lahaina Looks Like One Year After the Devastating Wildfires” by Alexander Haro via The Inertia
The town of Lahaina, one year after a wildfire tore through it. Photo: YouTube//Screenshot In the first weeks of August, 2023, fires broke out on the island of Maui. It was clear very quickly that they would be bad, and bad they were. By August 8, officials...
“The Benefits of Entering Purchase Orders as Soon as You Write Them” by Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys
Entering purchase orders is one of the tasks most retailers hate doing. Just thinking about working on it is already exhausting, especially since most retailers want to be on the sales floor with customers. However, you might not realize that having all your...
“Surf Participation Could Get a Boost from Gabriel Medina’s Viral Olympic Moment” by Kate Robertson via Shop Eat Surf
The surf competition at the 2024 Olympics takes place at Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia. Photo by Azathoth Pics / Stock.adobe.com. Gabriel Medina’s name hit the mainstream this week, reaching far beyond the surf community during the surf competition at the Paris...
“SKATESHOP (2021) Movie review” by BRA Executive Director Doug Works plus view trailer & full movie here
MOVIE INFO A group of skaters unite to save their local skateshop. Genre: Comedy Original Language: English Director: Ryan Peimer, Sarah Tang, Zack Whyel Producer: Curt Braden, Jerod Jacobs, Sarah Tang Writer: Zack Whyel...
“Retail Team Rewards (Hint: It’s Not Just Money)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
Retail managers must find effective ways to motivate teams and celebrate their successes to maintain high performance and meet sales goals. Only when you can answer an associate's internal question, "What's in it for me?" can you move the needle of higher conversions....
“SVP Spotlight – 4 Strategies to Find the Right Hire plus 40% off job postings for BRA Retail Members” by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)
Hiring in retail is tricky. As a result, the good people behind Outdoor Industry Jobs are often asked about best practices for getting good candidates, and they wanted me to share the following 4 possible strategies to help find and hire top talent: Brag. A...
“Gift Cards and the Age of Customer Loyalty” by Sam Lituchi via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Adem Percem Increasing customer loyalty is always top of mind for retailers. Loyal customers spend more money at their favorite businesses, patronize shops more often, and promote the brands they love to other consumers in their networks. To...
“Product Picks from the Floor of Outdoor Retailer Summer” by Cameron Martindale via The Daily
Photos by Cameron Martindell for The Daily. There was lots of great gear at the Outdoor Retailer Summer show. The Daily’s gear expert, Cameron Martindell, cruised the aisles to find the products that stood out. At Outdoor Retailer Summer this June, I visited...
“7 Ways to Upgrade Your Retail Store Without Moving” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog
I've seen a common misconception in my experience with retail transformations, including recent showroom makeovers with an outdoor power equipment store, a window fashions retailer, and a beverage store chain. Retailers...
“Industry Veterans Weigh In on Sole Tech’s Legacy” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf
Clockwise from top left: Sole Tech Founder Pierre André Senizergues; head of marketing Don Brown; Pierre with former longtime Sole Tech exec Yasemin Oktay Hume. Far left photo courtesy of Sole Tech; others, SES file photos. Sole Technology has been an important part...
“Office Depot Exclusive BRA Member Savings Program now available for all BRA Regular (no cost) and all BRA Distinguished Retail Members plus video elaborating on this outstanding Member Benefit” by Doug Works, BRA Executive Director
The Mission of Board Retailers Association is to consolidate the voices, the experiences and the visions of Board Specialty Retailers into a cohesive organization. We do this by identifying ways to lower day to day expenses, to increase profit margins and to create...
“AI in the Aisles: 3 Easy Ways Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Can Increase Profitability Now” by via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by bluecinema Consumers accustomed to the autonomy of online shopping are often disappointed when they walk into physical stores, only to find that a retailer hasn’t updated its store experience to match new digital-inspired shopping habits....
“Meet the Skaters Representing Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding
@cortez With the Paris 2024 Olympics right around the corner, things are officially starting to heat up. The stage is set and we're stoked to announce all the ripping skaters who will be repping Team USA this summer. Nyjah Huston, Chris Joslin, Jagger Eaton, Tom...
“How Retailers Have Been Lured Onto the E-Commerce Battlefield” by Michael Provenzano via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by Hinterhaus Productions Amazon.com has been successful with many unusual strategies over the years, but one of the company’s most recent wins has been convincing retailers to undervalue their physical assets and focus on trying to compete in the...
“Summer Action Steps That Prep Retailers for a Holiday Blizzard of Sales” by Bob Phibbs via the Retail Doctor Blog
Christmas in July. We’ve all heard the phrase as a marketing slogan, but Planning Ahead for Successful Holidays is a better concept. By strategizing early, you can ensure your store is prepared to meet customer demands, optimize inventory, and create memorable...
“9 Core Skate Shops You Need to Visit in San Diego” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding
Sixes and Sevens new location in Oceanside Skate shops are often the pillar of local skate scenes across the globe and are always going above and beyond to do great things for their communities. And while "core" shops exist all over the world, it's no surprise...
“U.S. Ski and Snowboard, X Games Announce Partnership” by Cooper Gegan via The Inertia
Photo: Joshua Duplechian / X Games U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games just announced they are collaborating to create The Winter X Games Series. The newly minted series will include U.S. Ski & Snowboard World Cup events, the Toyota U.S....
“Foot Locker’s new loyalty program lets shoppers redeem points for cash, sneaker access” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive
The Sneaker Hub in Foot Locker’s new store concept is a space where shoppers can customize the laces of their new shoes, pick up online orders or sign up for the loyalty program. Courtesy of Foot Locker, Inc. A new mobile app will join the refreshed FLX Rewards...
“Integrating Offers: How Omnichannel Coupons Can Transform Your Retail Strategy” by Jimmy Doheny via Total Retail
Credit: Getty Images by sdominick The fusion of digital and physical shopping experiences is a strategic imperative in today’s retail environment. Omnichannel coupon experiences embody this fusion, allowing retailers to seamlessly connect with customers across...
“Hubi’s Surf Atlas and Wiilder Adventures & Animals A-Z Book Review” plus OR Summer giveaway by Doug Works (BRA Executive Director)
Last Summer, I started noticing a few Instagram posts from a number of our Retail Members including BRA Distinguished Retail Member Hansen Surf Shop in Encinitas and a number of outdoor adventure shop members about this interesting surf adventure book for kids called...