The retail debate from both sides of the issue

I keep hearing that the issue of manufacturers opening their own retail stores is still a hot-button topic in the industry. The debate seems to be growing with more stores openings and the movement toward manufacturers selling directly online.

So I thought it would be good to air out the subject from the both the retailer and the manufacturer perspective.

Bob McKnight, CEO of Quiksilver, the company with the most retail stores, and I talked about the retail issue from Quiksilver's perspective. He provided some good insight into why the company feels it needs to open Quiksilver stores and its retail strategy going forward.

I asked Mikke Pierson, co-owner of ZJ's Boarding House, to provide the specialty retail point of view.

The goal here is not to attack anyone, but to address the broader, philosophical and business debate.

If you want to weigh in, I welcome comments. Email me at tiffany@shop-eat-surf.com.