Breaking News: Quiksilver Pulls Out Of ASR
josh hunter
- December 16 2008
- 4,256 views
- 85 comments
News broke today that Quiksilver has officially pulled out of ASR’s January show. This will be the first time the company has missed the show since it was held in Long Beach, California.
“With the current economic landscape continuing to negatively impact the cash flow for all brands and stock prices for public companies, some brands are being forced to miss selling opportunities that ASR has provided them for many years. Today Quiksilver told organizers that the brand will miss the January event for the first time since ASR was held in Long Beach. ASR continues to look for ways to work with Quiksilver and the industry as a whole through these hard times. By providing retailers from across the globe with a premier venue to see the world’s top manufacturers in a focused 3-day event, ASR makes buying possible for retailers of all sizes.”
Stay Tuned To Transworld Business. We’ll have comprehensive updates and interviews posted throughout the day tomorrow, December 17.
Here’s the official statement from ASR:
January 2009 event update from ASR: “As the action sports industry’s leading trade event, ASR is a direct reflection of the industry it serves,” says Andy Tompkins, ASR Group Show Director. “With retail sales off 30-60%, including action sports specialty, the entire market is feeling the reverberating effects. This includes manufacturers and in turn trade shows. But even in hard times, brands know to go with what works first and for 27 years ASR’s been proven itself as the place for brands and retailers to connect.”
Over 425 brands will rely on ASR January to showcase summer and fall product lines under one roof, convenient to retail buyers. The industry’s largest established brands including Billabong, Volcom, DC Shoes, O’Neill, Rusty, Element, Vans, Reef, Rip Curl, Matix, DVS, Zoo York, NHS, Dwindle, Fox Head, and DaKine will join together to invest in specialty retailers with a one-stop, efficient buying opportunity. Smaller brands, many of which are able to more nimbly maneuver through the downturn, will continue to shine at ASR this year.
But with the current economic landscape continuing to negatively impact the cash flow for all brands and stock prices for public companies, some brands are being forced to miss selling opportunities that ASR has provided them for many years. Today Quiksilver told organizers that the brand will miss the January event for the first time since ASR was held in Long Beach.
ASR continues to look for ways to work with Quiksilver and the industry as a whole through these hard times. By providing retailers from across the globe with a premier venue to see the world’s top manufacturers in a focused 3-day event, ASR makes buying possible for retailers of all sizes.
Beyond providing an efficient show format, ASR will look to lower exhibit costs by providing cost effective pre-packaged exhibits for future January and September events. These efforts may reduce overall exhibiting expense by as much as 30%.
To further ease the financial burden on retail, ASR is buying down hotel rates to unprecedented levels and offering free parking for retailers driving to the show. Along with the platform to work directly with key business partners to navigate the current economic downturn, ASR will also provide a seminar series with a focus on expert business advice on how to survive now and best situate your business for the future.
Some reasons that ASR is more viable then ever this January:
* Retailers and reps will not be traveling as much this year, making ASR the best chance to influence and obtain purchase commitments from the lucrative west coast buying audience.
* Buyers have been holding off on purchase commitments until they get through the holiday season, so come January dealers will need to re-order product and this provides a great opportunity at ASR to directly advance the sales process.
* Retailers want to meet directly with industry executives. They need to hear about co-op marketing programs, in-store support and brand’s plans to do to help retailers.
* Dealers need to network with each other, advocacy groups and exhibitors to collectively determine how to come through this challenging economy intact.
* Brands that maintain their marketing presence will have the best chance of coming through this recession with their company intact, and realize potential sale gains as other brands withdraw and disappear.
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December 17th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Yikes!
December 17th, 2008 at 8:13 am
That’s Crazy
Talk about putting the nail in the coffin…
December 17th, 2008 at 8:48 am
can’t wait till all the big companies collapse and then surfing can re-invent itself with something new and fresh. Ie when urban wear died and then re-invented itself into streetwear. way to much homogenization in the surf wear market. I think this would also be good for specialty retailers, because then you would truly have special brands selling only to special retailers and not Macy’s. What a unique Idea! and ps Macy’s doesn’t pay the same price for a t-shirt that your core retailer does. People at these big surf Co.’s have gotten greedy and lost sight. you reap what sow.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:01 am
that’s not crazy…it’s smart. ASR is a great platform for our industry, but i cant understand how any brand can spend that huge amount of money for 3 days of hand shakes and shaka’s in this economy.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Aaron, you really are an ignorant leach aren’t you? Don’t you see that if ASR suffers then you’re little pathetic show will too? Come on…do you honestly think international distributors and retailers of any significance at all (other than karmaloop and the guys from The Closet) would make the trip to San Diego to see 14 streetwear brands in a highschool auditorium, or whatever that tired ass venue you use is? When you get on these message boards and make such asinine remarks … how does that make you and your show look? Answer: like a greasy leach. Give respect where it is do, man…that’s all I am saying. Agenda without ASR ain’t worth a food stamp
December 17th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Ouch ain’t the word..it’s Mega-Ouch! Man o’ man, Quik pulling out of ASR can’t be a good sign. I really feel for them. I shiver to think that another round of layoffs may be just around the corner. Looks like no Christmas party this year.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:30 am
waste of a read
December 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Its time for change. its time for ASR to clean up the aisles and start thinking about buyers, promote business atmosphere, and minimize the bro flo and drunk groms in those aisles.. Tortillas in the aisles - all the brands’ gimmicky b.s. and the exploitation and marketing silliness -
honestly - isn’t the consensus that ASR is not about business anymore, at least like it could be? that is what I am constantly hearing. Don’t get me wrong, I love our industry and the tradition to come together that ASR provides… but the bs should be addressed and it seems timely to address it now. As for alternative shows - better get used to em… they are definately going to continue to impact and that impact will grow.
December 17th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Yeah Kevin I agree! As a sales rep it is almost a waste of time and money to attend this show anymore. A GOOD rep is already out in front of their customers showing product and maybe does a little “paper gathering” at ASR. Plus the shows are way to close to order deadlines to be really effective. As with the snow industry, regional shows are going to become the preferred venue for vendor/retailer interaction.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Lets go through this one by one for you anonymous guy.
Aaron, you really are an ignorant leach aren?t you? Answer from Aaron: No, I’m not an ignorant leach. I offered a better product at a better price and was more aggressive at sales than ASR. This is America and our country is based on Capitalism and Competition, so I don’t understand all the hard feelings. Agenda is not leaching we are simple competing.
Don?t you see that if ASR suffers then you?re little pathetic show will too? Answer from Aaron: Yes, I see that and I don’t want ASR to end at all and my comments on this board will not effect that in any way. But I do plan to pick up the pieces of their broken show and do it better for who ever wants to join us.
Come on?do you honestly think international distributors and retailers of any significance at all (other than karmaloop and the guys from The Closet) would make the trip to San Diego to see 14 streetwear brands in a highschool auditorium, or whatever that tired ass venue you use is? Answer from Aaron: Yes, I do think they will. For your information It’s not 14 brands its more like 120 brands and most of them have a huge market significance, distributers all over the world and a huge volume here in the us. As far as the venue goes thats the best place for us to go right now because the convention venter is taken by some other event that you seem to work for.
When you get on these message boards and make such asinine remarks ? how does that make you and your show look? Answer from Aaron: I don’t think it makes my show look one way or another. Clearly I have hit a nerve with you in some way. I think your views on this matter are just as outdated as the ASR show and your lack of knowledge on this subject is amusing to me.
Agenda without ASR ain?t worth a food stamp Answer from Aaron: thats a stupid statement. Agenda has done over 30 shows world wide. Every year we have 2 shows in Tokyo Japan and we have had shows in NYC, LA & Osaka.. As a matter a fact more then half of the shows Agenda has done have not been based around ASR.
Have a nice day, sorry if I upset you anonymous guy. Feel free to email me if you have any further bones to pick aaron@agendashow.com
December 17th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
that what I call a bitch slap!
December 17th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
A good rep would be in a buyers face before X-mas now for winter 10-11.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Look ASR Is not fun anymore.
It’s become more about ego and who works for the biggest company. Let’s face it, The surf business is due for a big change.
In due respect what is KPC talking about? “It’s not about business”? Give me a break! It’s too much about business. It used to be fun going to these shows. Now it is all about greed, greed and more greed. That’s right, GREED!
Most of the reps who work for these BIG SURF COMPANY’S are out to lunch and forgot who the customer was long ago. They (Reps) promise the world and deliver nothing!
They are more interested in getting a new BMW SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE every two years then servicing the customers (surf shops).
The Surf Industry sold out long ago! First, everyone is a “team rider”. Second, the merchandise that these guys sell is way overpriced!
And Quik would rather sell to Costco then the hardcore surf shop “across the street”.
…I think it’s high time of a “SURF INDUSTRY UNION”.
Oh, and Bob McKnight doesn’t look like such a genius now.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
SIMPLY PUT. AGENDA IS THE SHIT.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Aaron .. I don’t work for ASR or any other tradeshow. I just always read your comments on this site and think to myself that you must be a weasily little bitch. In reality you might be the best guy in the world, but you’d never know it by the way you present yourself. It just seems so self-serving and lame. I fully give you credit for running your event, but your attitude is what struck a cord with me….ASR could squash your show, buy your show, whatever. But they don’t. That stinky dread, white guy just sits on the curb in his wife beater by that old limo and hassles ASR attendees all day and you get on here and throw mud in ASR’s face when they’re having some issues? Really? If you’re going to feed off ASR then at least be respectful. your momentum is based on companies like Soletech, etc who lost their PacSun business and tried to say they weren’t going to ASR because of the dates. If anyone couldn’t see that was all about saving a buck then you’re a moron. If you’re all about servicing your exhibitors, then change your dates …nope, you’ll wait for ASR to do it (which I’m sure they will soon bc Surf Expo did) then leach off their clients for scraps.
Maybe your shows in Japan are legit, but you’ve got some work ahead of you in SD before you can throw mud at ASR the way you do without looking like a dick. I’m not saying you’re a dick, but your comments make it seem that way. Anyway…good luck with your show. My point is that it would be much more effective to draft a well-written press release with a list of brands attending your show, and the benefits of attending Agenda as an exhibitor or buyer and look like a competent business man, than kick ASR when they are down and look like a dick.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Damn… backhanded bitch slap!
December 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Eric, better to be a genius for quite some time, in uncharted territory, taking a company further than anyone has ever dreamed of, than never have tried..
Quite frankly, none of us look like genius’s in this economy. Bob and Quik are going through the “Perfect Storm”.
This whole thing for all of us is going to be determined by who has the guts to grin and bare it for awile. It’s going to be determined by people, who have the nut’s to prevail.
Hope your nut’s are as big as Bob’s have been for the last 20 years.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Do not have time to read all the above , did i miss something in the press release ? Is Quik doing Agenda instead of ASR ?
December 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
oh yeah? my dad can beat up your dad. facial scrub.
December 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Sure Quik is in a tough position and time will tell the outcome, however judging by Aaron’s comment “another nail in the coffin” don’t be so stiff… The trade show’s are far to varied and at the same time so insignificant. Larger brands will be running their own regional shows and they can cater to key accounts and specialty accounts in a far better environment at a huge savings to the company. Look out trade show organizers the future of your crowded show calender is going to suffer once the big brands put some thought into exclusive regional showings, both supporting their retail partners and sales staff.
Good luck Quik and the many other brands & retailers struggling right now, as any good company hold on make tough decision so long as they are proactive and will see each other on the upside!!!
December 17th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
why do you hope erik has big nuts? how do you know how big bob’s nuts are?.. a 20 year gay relationship? all you fags can stay at asr with your hawaiian shirts. hippies.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Aaron - I have no idea who you are and have never met you - - but you do come off as a bit of a tool in your comments here.
Just and observation.
December 17th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Booths are WAY too expensive, the forced labor costs suck, and the traffic and parking are brutal. No plans for my company to ever go back. The money we save by not going far exceeds that amount of business brought in by the few customers that come to the show. The attendance has been decreasing significantly over the last few years as shop owners are realizing that they can get the same information from the companies websites and they can save the trip costs. I always hated going to the ASR…..
December 17th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
i dont attend either show. i attend sia and the knowshow up here in canada…..but wow aaron you are a fucking jackass.
your comments are ridiculous…. not only are you bashing your competition…. but as a business man to make negative comments towards homosexuals on this public forum is outrageous!
i hope dealers say fuck you… fuck your little tradeshow. it wouldnt be a bad thing if the crumbling usa economy ate your pathetic ass up.
make a stand transworld…. kick this loser off this site and all others affiliated with transworld media.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
wow… usually dont rant like that. aaron levant is clearly a douche.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Wow. I just read all that stuff. Heavy…..
December 17th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I agree. Aaron Levant - you would truly be better off staying silent and out of this discussion with those types of comments, seriously.
Agenda is a nice idea and fine. Cool, whatever, we wish you the best.
Although, if you are trying to build the Agenda show UP and “brand” it as a superior, or more innovative alternative, these comments don’t…. how do I say it….. help?
Remember, the ENEMY of marketing & branding is arrogance and being cocky. That is business building 101. The ALLY of marketing & branding is positivity and networking.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
wow.
I guess that is what we get with free speech - kinda like that ignorant kook that creates a one person crowd and then claims anything he lands…
honestly, some of the comments made here are really a shame..
December 17th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
“Can’t wait for the big companies collapse “? What line of work are you in ? Can all the reps; exec’s ; artist ; designers ; marketing dept. / shipping ; logistics ; customer service ; AR ; AP , HR ; truckers ; cleaning crews and yes , pro’s , spouses and kids come over and eat at your place stud ….
December 18th, 2008 at 6:58 am
hear hear!
December 18th, 2008 at 7:01 am
This post isn’t really from Aaron…
December 18th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I seriously doubt that is Aaron making those comments. Anyone can come on here and claim whatever they want and “Claim” they are whomever as illustrated above
December 18th, 2008 at 7:34 am
They just seemed like more of a plug for ASR than a story on a company dropping from ASR…
December 18th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Guy’s; who knows if this guy really is Aaron from agenda? He certainly doesn’t know me. When is the last time anyone who knows me has seen me in a Hawaiian Shirt? I don’t put people down who where them though. I wear shorts and a t-shirt in Mammoth! Me and Bob gay? Come on.. I knew I was opening myself up to the whole gay thing when I mentioned nuts. You just have to laugh!
December 18th, 2008 at 8:59 am
i own a core shop, and have been working as graphic designer at big companies in the past, from the ground up when i was one of 2 to design the whole line for each season. So i have seen the transition from selling to special retailers to selling to federated dept co. I saw our staff swell on all ends and the product was then kept at status quo to appeal to the major chains and dept stores. Most of the following worth their salt should be able to get a new job or better one or maybe learn from their last employer and move up the ladder. reps; exec?s ; artist ; designers ; marketing dept. / shipping ; logistics ; customer service ; AR ; AP , HR ; truckers ; cleaning crews and yes , pro?s
- Also it’s a free market if you fail it’s on your accord and not being able to change with market conditions. I think sometimes when companies fail it helps spur on innovation and create new and better opportunities.
Oh yeah Agenda keep it up!
December 18th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Sorry to hear Quik dropped out of ASR. Maybe it’s time for the regional tradeshows to take off. I’d like to see a show take place in los angeles.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:33 am
But dude nobody was prepared for this shit storm. This industry is like a deck of cards, one fall we all go tumbling. It’s like everybody rooting for pac sun to burn, this would result in a lot lay off across the ASI, and if a major retailor fails you with your little core shop try and get a loan from the bank to buy stock.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Right on barack now go fix this shit storm I created.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Companies wouldn’t go for it, it a logistical nightmere and bye bye cool booths. It would all be place on the reps hands. It like here in Canada the know?show is all dist, even at the end of the day I really have to question how much dollars to donuts it brings in, these companies did fine before this show exisited. In canada if have the goods the people will be knocking on your door to get it.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:58 am
LOVE YOUR PASSION, TIME FOR A CHANGE , BUT ….WHERE IS YOUR COMPASSION ?
i agree , change is good . However , Big , small , whatever , most people in this industry are just trying to earn a living doing what they love … clearly you are one of those but there are lot of talented people sitting on the sidelines right now , a lot of unsponsored pro’s who deserve to be ,so maybe you should walk a mile in their shoes before you judge.
Happy Holidays …..
December 18th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Definately see your point Time for change , but please don’t mix the greedy ceo’s in with the customer service / shipping ar , ap , hr etc. people who commute from Riverside to Irvine everyday at 5:00 am to listen to some “core store ” or Dept. Store bitch about a size scale shipping incorrectly one out of 100 times ….
December 18th, 2008 at 10:16 am
No doubt, I don’t think big established companies would go for it. But I think it could work pretty well for emerging l.a. based brands. Seems like there are alot of l.a. based brands, but no shows in l.a.
December 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
not from me in any way.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
this above comment is not from me.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:06 am
word!
December 18th, 2008 at 11:15 am
The comment’s are from ME , ERIN , Aaron’s bitchy feminine side who hates *Gays because i was born a man !
*this FORUM has got to be a new low TWS BIZ ; LOVING IT ! Thanks for the Holiday cheer , TWS , QUIK , ASR , AGENDA , GAYS , STRAIGHTS IN HAWAIIAN SHIRTS, Bitter core shops , It’s Reality Forum !
** Aaron imposter ; don’t F@#$ with Duke again though , all of Newport will be looking to find you.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Agenda could be come more an more of an opportunity for smaller brands, that may not necessarily be tied to surf/skate/snow/hacky-sack.
Look at how small brands have taken root in independent shops that feel burned because of product being available everywhere they turn. Agenda could be the trade show equivalent.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Ya it’s called Magic.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:51 am
RIGHT ON HMMMM…Isn’t the point to be tied to surf / skate / snow ? And Hacky Sack is just plain fun when you are waiting someone to come in and buy a bar of wax and the owner is in Whistler with Bob and Duke !
December 18th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
this forum is pretty funny… ok time to get back to work now
December 18th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Right on you still have a job…
December 18th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Wow, there are some crazy comments on this board here…
I’ve been a designer in the industry for a little over 4 years now, attended countless ASR’s etc…
First off, although many of you see ASR as fun(which it can be) it still is work, appointments are made, lines are shown, bookings are set. For some its a party, for others its trying to nail down any numbers that you might still need, its about showcasing new product, its looking for new manufacturing possibilities, its a must. However, with the economy the way it is, I can understand why Quik might need to pull out of the January show. Its usually a much smaller showing, so perhaps(and like every single company in the industry) theyre saving a few dollars(actually quite a few) on booth fees and hotel and driving/eating expenses for all involved. If they were smart they would be working on a financial gameplan for Spring 2010 and the September show which is the biggest of the year, and often sets the tone for the year to come! Agenda has its place too, its a great show which showcases some great brands. Quik’s backing out for January is just another example of a company tightening its budget in tough times. Nothing more.
December 19th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Wow , 4 years in the industry ! I have ASR dinners still stuck in my colon longer than that !
Butt ; I DO ADMIT , YOUR COMMENTS ARE WISE BEYOND YOUR YEARS !
GOOD ON YA MATEY ….Now if i can just spit this winkle ..
December 19th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Dude, that is lame to commute all the way from Riverside to Irvine. Do you care about the environment at all? Just asking.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
So this is how they do it in California, huh? lol….
December 21st, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Would not know, i am from Slovakia and live in Kissimmee Fl.
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:33 am
I care about feeding my children who will hopefully get an education and change things . Sorry , i just cannot afford that luxury , you are welcome to follow me and my 86 Toyota Carolla anytime if you would care to see life outside Orange County you sanctimonius prick ! Maria in customer service @ a place you will never work .
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Who do you think is clogging up the freeways Johnny Boy?
People who choose jobs hours away so they can pollute? What a sheltered life you must get to live. Good for you Maria and good luck to you and your famillia.
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Maria:
I find it hard to believe there are no customer service jobs available a little closer to home. And from the sound of things, that might not be the best position for you since listening to bitching customers is what customer service is all about.
Joe Plumper:
Sheltered-perhaps, but logically finding a job closer to my home, you bet. Take care and happy holidays to the both of you. No need for name call on my end.
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
P.S. I don’t live in Orange County, I don’t work in this industry and Joe Plumper, just so you know for next time, familia only has one “L” in it.
Adios.
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
ASR and Agenda represent two different types of customers. While ASR is skate, surf and swimwear focused, whereas Agenda is the boutique/urban/fashion driven show. Let’s be honest ASR is not cheap for some of the smaller brands, but you have to look at each show’s brand portfolio, WE - that to me is not a surf or skate brand, it was started as a snow brand originally and it’s styling is more urban/art inspired then what most brands at ASR are all about. The two serve two different areas that just so happen to have a lot of cross over appeal to the buyers.
Would it be more convenient if Agenda was closer to ASR, sure, but the current venue is saving the brands that are exhibiting a lot, and they are passing any of that savings to have the limo service pick up and return buyers to ASR. Sure it takes buyers away from the show, it is the Buyer’s choice.
Could the two shows work together? I think so. Both of the shows have their own synergies and dynamics.
Just because Quik pulls out of ASR’s January show does not meant the end of the world for the industry. Quik is big enough and resourceful enough that they can put reps in front of key retailers for preshowings. When you look at their booths, the cost to install and dismantle, any changes or improvements to the booths, then the manning and lodging expenses, I am sure we are talking close to six digit expenses at stake. Plus look what Quik is going through financially right now. About the only brands that are performing for them is DC and the Mervin Manufacturing. The Quik and Roxy brands are just homogenous, but they do matter to Joe Consumer, but matter less to the actual core retailers now days. I don’t know too many skateshops and surfshops outside of Cali that actually carry Quik and Roxy as most department stores and mall clothing chains carry them now. It could be that ASR matters less to Quik as a brand now as I believe they no longer speak to the original audience they intentionally went after. So Quik pulling out of the January ASR, no big suprise, and really not a big deal, only a big deal if you are ASR show managment.
Yay for the holidays….
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Johnny ! You don’t live in Orange County but you judge me ? If you did live there or in Riverside county perhaps you would know how hard it is to get a job anywhere . I know Security people who commute from Victorville , do you really think they want to do that , not everyone can afford to even drive , some ride the train or a bus . As i said , you are welcome to come to Riverside anytime if you want a dose of the real world. I have been in C.S. for 9 years , have a great time with my area , where do you live , maybe you are in it . You missed the point entirely when you thought it was about anybody bitching. It is tough everywhere and if you are lucky enough to have any job , count your blessings and it was still sanctimonious of you to judge me , i am sorry about the” prick” part , latin blood ! Happy Holidays .
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
So are there any Customer SERVICE JOBS WHERE YOU LIVE ? iT SOUNDS AMAZING AND GREEN THERE !
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
AND THERE IS ONLY ONE “P” IN PLUMBER TOO , WHAT NO TYPOS IN YOUR FANTASY WORLD? ! tHERE ARE 2 “L’S” AND ONE “P” IN “LITTLE PRICK ” THOUGH ! J.P. ?
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:59 pm
LIFE’S RAD tm will be promoting their brand @ the ASR show in SAN DIEGO!!! LOOK OUT FOR “LIFE’S RAD” tm
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
UR GAY tm will be promoting their brand @ the ASR show in SAN DIEGO!!! LOOK OUT FOR “UR GAY” tm
December 24th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Ya I know how to spell plumber. But i changed it to PLUMPER. Get a life.
December 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Johnny boy ? Girl ? I thought you did not need the name calling ? not fat, not even plump so it fails , you are not in this industry so why don’t you go do the forums on something you understand and leave these to people who have vested interest it it , devoted thier lives to it and have lives you can only enter through forums?
Over it , over you , you have no clue. Lates ; Joe the Plumper Plumber ? how old are you any way ? How’s the weather in Kansas Dorothy…
December 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
suck a fat one quiksilver, you generic piece of shize
December 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
You’ve all got it wrong. Quik pulled out of ASR because the writings on the wall for Slater to win #10 and they needed to save the money for his mega-bucks contractual payout if/when he gets #10. They are just looked ahead at next years bottom line.
/sarcasm.
December 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Uh…I recently read that Quik is CLOSING 29 underperforming stores. Most here in the So Cal area and 9 to close right off the bat in January ‘09. That tells me that the writing is on the wall for Quik. More layoffs for sure to come…OUCH!
December 25th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
ASR has been on the decline for years. Look at the “ASR Blog”, what a joke that is. No posts since August. The last post was probably on the day before the last rounds of layoffs. Somebody please turn the swirtch off on the blog. We all saw this coming but the economy just accelerated it a bit. ASR is very similiar to the US Auto Industry, they both are using outdated business models and wont be able to compete in the future without some serious changes. The cost for setting up with my compnay was around 400k. This was only a 20×80 booth which we all were so familiar with we could have set it up ourselves in 2 days. With the Union contracts you cant even plug in an extension cord or hand carry in your samples without paying some union thug. These union contracts bled the exibitors while greasing ASR on the back end. Further gouging that is coming back to haunt them. My shoe co. just also puled out of ASR for January. Even though they had paid ASR in full, its the set up which kills you.
ASR needs to clean house with employees and management and start from scratch remembering 1. why retailers are coming to the show as well as 2. make it a reasonabe cost for the vendors to exibit. Will this happen? I doubt it. The top dogs at ASR are in their ivory towers blaming everything mindlessly on the economy.
December 26th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I just don’t know anymore my righteous brothers, about the future of our U.S. economy as a whole. I speak only for myself and I’m afraid…very much so. As for our beloved surf industry, gee whiz.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Correct! No need for name calling, just changing it up like you did mine. Right on, you and your parents must be so proud that you have devoted your life to this. Congratulations on being so cool.
Much love from Johnny in the real world.
January 5th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Thank you folks for making me chuckle reading all these comments. Our industry would be better off if ASR wouldn’t pick and choose so much who gets to attend their show to buy. Companies like myself need to attend for buying purposes too ya’ know. Too all the board companies exhibiting at ASR; I would have loved to have seen if we could get some goods pressed up by you but looks like ASR is a bigger fan of outsourcing than allowing me to explore domestic pressing options. China here we come!
January 5th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
From reading all this anyway , it seems ASR has alienated every posible side . Anybody got any REAL solutions for them ?
January 5th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Where to start? Duke from Surfside again!! Don’t you have sales you need to make? You are always on these forums defending Volcom/Quik or whoever someone is calling out for selling us all out. Why? Because you made your bed with them. They paid for your remodel. We all know it, and in fact you even validated it on a previous forum.
Who am I you ask? Someone who’s been behind the counter of my ma and pa surf shop for a long long time. I still work the counter but it ain’t getting any easier. I don’t understand how you can justify in any way what Quiksilver or any of these companies has done to us? Have you been to Macy’s lately? Plain and simple Quiksilver sold out and you don’t care because you’re not behind the counter, you’re paying some groms while you’re out golfing with Bob McKnight.
You disgust me as much as the industry does!
So surf shop for sale, wanna buy mine?
January 6th, 2009 at 6:16 am
UHH.hey sick of it podner .i never go to Macy’s , the 1st lady does , i heard there might be W.M.D.’s there you see , or was that M.C.D.’s ? anyway , no matter, i get my surf stuff down at my ma and pa’s shop , Costco and Hali-Burton for my snow gear .
i don’t know what all the fuss about out-scourcin’ is niether you see , i love chinese take-out !
i am outta a job pretty soon i think , how much you want for your shop , i got some air force one thin mints and some war time president stuff i need to sell , oh wait Daddy owns Zappo’s , nevermind ! catch ya latter hater
January 6th, 2009 at 9:39 am
First of all, you’re kind of funny.. Has anyone ever seen me hit a golf ball? I went golfing with Mcnight once, didn’t play though, don’t know how, just wanted to see what the big deal was: People stoked with hitting a little white ball around, and then chasing it around in a little cart. Not my thing, have never played a round of golf in my life. You are just un-informed. So uninformed about the money We got from the build out, so uninformed about the time I spend in the store. Who the hell are you to hate on me so bad? I think it’s time you look deep inside yourself for some of these answers, or just come into the store, (Surfside), and we can discuss anything you feel like.
Thanks,
Duke.
January 6th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I tend to agree with the Duke thing. It’s pretty transparent to say the least… but then again folks, can we really blame the guy? He’s been carried all the way by those “big brands” (Quick, Volcom, Billabong/Hurley etc). Together they have risen toward the top of the food chain of specialty. Right on! It’s been an exemplary shop in my opinion over the last 10 or so years… it just needs to take on the next era as those “big brands” sell out all around people like Duke…
The whole game is changing. I’m sure Duke hates seeing his prized brands selling like wildfire at Costco but at this point, if you’re a guy like Duke, you feel sort of “stuck” I’m sure. I’d be willing to bet that there are times the Duke’s of the industry think to themselves “I’m over this crap, I’m gonna start buying new brands and start cutting back on these new brands…” They feel all tough, like they just mentally drew a line in the sand. It feels good for like 5 minutes. Then they get to their shop on Monday morning and see those Costco brands selling at their own register and they quickly change their tune and feel warm n’ fuzzy inside.
Duke probably also feels like he owes those brands or there’s some sort of “family” thing or “partnership” jargon going on…. that’s cool. After all, it’s kinda scary buying into new brands and trying to be “cutting edge”. Especially if you’ve been doing the same thing for the last 15-20 years.
Guys like Duke possibly suffer from an “old school” mentality… more of a “sundowner” than a “sunriser” when it comes to buying & risk taking perhaps. They knocked it out of the park though in the 90’s with core brands like Volcom & Quik! I hope people like him will turn toward change though, or at least be open to it, for the sake of keeping “special” in the word “special-ty”. Reality is that specialty shops like Surfside are very slowly getting swallowed up because they are more or less, staying the same in a landscape of change. This too is fine though, it’s the natural progression of an industry. Some shops will change and signal a new direction, some shops will start their slow and painful decline, that’s just the way it works.
Best of luck to all!
January 6th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Thanks for your words of wisdom. You are so right in many of your statments that it’s like you’ve read my mind. We sell a lot of Quik, Volcom, Billabong, and Hurley. But, on any given day Ruca can out sell them, and, dispite they’re warehouse sales at Christmas, they continue to preform. What about Atwater? We’ve nurtured that brand for the last couple of years and it has done quite well. F-54 is a newer brand that quite frankly hasn’t performed to the level of the “Big Guy’s”, but, it has a cool local vibe. Hell, if it was all about money, and not about giving new brands a chance, I would just increase Volcom’s or Hurley’s Square footage in the store.. There are so many new brands emerging out there it’s mind boggleing! We look at them all, but, we do need to take into consideration our rent, payroll, utility bills, insurance, etc. and, if we bring too many of them in, it will contribute to a decline in our health as a business because they just won’t generate the revenue that the bigger more established brands will. As far as the relationships we’ve built throughout the years go, well, I’d be lieing if I said that I didn’t think I owed some of the bigger companies the benifit of the doubt, but, I would also be a moron if I thought that none of the newer companies out there would be the next Volcom. Hell, anything is possible, but, it’s difficult to find the balance between progression, and regression.
Thanks again for your comment.
Duke.
January 6th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
A shit storm is still a shit storm no matter who created it. I have been involved in a core shop 32 years and have seen it all. This is a new deal and if you want to survive weather your a big Company or a small retailer you got to cut your overhead and work harder then you ever have.I just scanned through all the comments and what a lot of you forget is we are all connected when one of us fails we all fail a little. Whether Quik sold out is just a fact of business,they outgrew the core shop market and it was a logical business step. I think if all you quit giving each other shit and just took care of your own deal you would be better served. May 2009 have mercy on us!
January 9th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
This is such an ignorant comment. i have worked for trade shows and events for years, and you all obviously have no idea what it takes to put on a show. Grease? Ivory Towers? nice try….
January 9th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
i hate this. everyone bitches about ASR letting riff raff roam the aisles but the minute they crack down everyone complains and wants the public to attened, or is bitter they got denied. Everyone just needs to stop crying and keep ASR business to business