By SHELBY STANGER

Although hardgoods is a tough category these days, we heard a lot of good things about surfboard brand Firewire during the holiday.

At ASR, we caught up with CEO Mark Price who told us how the brand is growing during the recession and remaining profitable. He also told us about a new fin technology that he says will increase surfing performance, and most likely, sales as well.

Why did I hear so much hype about Firewire during the holidays?

There were two reasons. First, w...  Read More...     Email to Friend

By TIFFANY MONTGOMERY

I’m catching up on Sport Chalet’s earnings for the quarter ended Dec. 27 that were released during ASR.

The important industry retailer narrowed its net loss to $3.8 million vs. $32.4 million for the quarter.

Sales fell 8.9 percent to $95.3 million.

Same-store sales declined 10.8%.

The company said same-store sales were impacted by the weak macro economic environment and competitors’ promotional activity.

While Sport Chalet did not name Dick’s Sporting Goods, I am guessing that is what they are referring to since Dick’s ran several very aggressive promot...  Read More...     Email to Friend

Press Release:

SIMA WOMEN’S MARKET BOOT CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

- Deadline to register is Friday, February 12-

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (January 27, 2010) – The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is proud to announce that registration is now open for Women’s Market Boot Camp to be held on February 25, 2010, at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, Calif. The half-day event, with support from TEEN VOGUE, will consist of two seminars and a panel discussion. The event will begin with a group breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at noon.

“Right now is a pivotal time in our industry to focus o...  Read More...     Email to Friend

Plus a slide show from the show floor.

By TIFFANY MONTGOMERY

Heading into this ASR there was a lot of buzz that the show was in trouble. People were worried about the late dates, the increased trade show competition and that some of the large brands, such as Quiksilver, Roxy, Hurley and Reef, weren’t exhibiting.

Despite the fears, I spoke with several exhibitors who told me the show was better and busier than expected.

I also talked with ASR’s Andy Tompkins about the show, if ASR will happen twice a year in the futur...  Read More...     Email to Friend

Plus photos from Crossroads.

By TIFFANY MONTGOMERY

Down at Crossroads, I checked in with Jamie Thomas on Thursday to see how he thought the first event in conjunction with ASR went.

He said the vibe had been very positive, and that Wednesday had been particularly busy.

Having the event outdoors, with fewer rules and the ability to skate around, was really important, he said.

He said it was great to have a show that is organic and raw and outside so people feel free and comfortable, instead of trying to “bottle and package it into a contrived setting in a convention center,” Jamie said.

By TIFFANY MONTGOMERY

Here is some reaction to ASR from Steve Murray, President of VF’s Action Sports Coalition sports, RVCA President Brad Blankenship and Volcom CEO Richard Woolcott.

Steve Murray

Steve said he came into the show fearing the worst for ASR because the buzz was that the show was struggling.

And Agenda has created something that fits the bill, he said -- meaning it has created an environment where business can get done without pretentiousness and without the closed-booth env...  Read More...     Email to Friend

By TIFFANY MONTGOMERY

ASR got underway with a new look Wednesday. Many of the booths had a uniform aesthetic and open format.

We talked to ASR's Andy Tompkins about the show and the future of ASR, and will have that story tomorrow.

In the meantime, here are some photos from day one of ASR and Class, which was held upstairs.

I'll stop by Crossroads in the Petco parking lot today.