TransWorld Media announced today that Rob Campbell, who has served as publisher of TransWorld Business for more than two years, has been promoted to Editorial Director.
» Read Full Story
Hurley’s new Digital Content Manager Evan Slater joins TransWorld Business Publisher Rob Campbell on the set of Down to Business for the second edition of our weekly series.
» Read Full Story
In an interview posted by ESPN Surfing, TransWorld Business Publisher Rob Campbell provided some insight into the surf industry, answering questions about what could drive sales this summer and beyond, especially in recent economic conditions.
“ESPN Surfing: So, what do you think? Will the summer be strong enough to stave off any more collapse?
Rob Campbell: Summer is definitely the strongest time of year, so we’ve got that going for us. The big question is “just how strong will it be?”
We work closely with a company called ActionWatch that monitors actual point-of-sale data from a panel of over 200 independent shops. Their data shows that May through August is clearly the strongest time for actual surfboard sales. I know you might say, “Duh, that seems obvious,” but it’s interesting to see just how much stronger. Almost half of all surfboard sales for the year will take place during the summer months (May-August). So a strong summer sales season could put everything back on track for the entire year.
ESPN Surfing: That makes sense. Most surfers live in coastal towns and make more money in the summer. But I always thought soft goods carried the industry?
Rob Campbell: You’re right. Softgoods have much higher margin and volume. According to ActionWatch, the average shop brought in $9,744 in surfboard sales last August. The same group of shops averaged $34,525 in apparel that same month. Plenty of people who don’t surf buy lots of surf-inspired apparel, that’s why the industry was able to see such explosive growth. But I think hardgoods is a good number to track because it indicates people who are actually getting more engaged in the sport, so they’ll most likely come back to buy more apparel, accessories, etc. Of course, they’ll probably be crowding your local line-up, too.
Softgoods also have a different seasonal sales pattern than hardgoods. Apparel sees a huge spike in August and December, for back to school and holiday sales.”
Read the entire interview HERE.
Photos from the 686 heli trip to Snow Water Mar. 28-30, 2008. The heavy-hitting crew included Mike West, Kristin Cusic, and Doug Sumi from 686; Adam Cozens, Rob Campbell, and Bruce Scott from Transworld; Kara and Chad Mihalick from Malakye; Dennis Seydel from Nike; Jim Riley and Chance Nace from Ketel One; and John Stouffer from Fuel TV.
» Read Full Story
Visit our sister websites
»
Surf
Skateboarding
Snowboarding
Motocross
RIDEbmx
Quad
Business
