Fluid Social 2.0, a new e-commerce tool that allows online shoppers to connect with friends via Facebook and live online chats before they make a purchase, launched on Wednesday and has already signed on several well-known brands, including Vans.
“Online footwear and apparel innovator Vans (www.Vans.com) has implemented Fluid Social 2.0 to help shoppers design custom shoes. Peer approval and social validation is an important part of buying a custom product. The integration of real-time chat and design-sharing within the product configurator helps shoppers collaboratively configure a product to their needs and also draws new shoppers into the online store. This new mode of shopping transforms online buying from a mere transaction to an entertaining, interpersonal activity.
‘Vans has deep roots in custom shoes. We were an early leader in offering custom footwear in the offline world and we think this site reinforces that brand heritage,’ said Katie Bongiovanni, director of Ecommerce for Vans. ‘The new version of Fluid Social lets us not only unleash our shoppers’ inspiration, but create community and draw new users into the Vans experience.’”
Fluid Social 2.0 will allow shoppers to “go shopping together, show each other what they like, ask for and receive feedback and help each other find the right product” and “allows people to suggest products, chat about and give thumbs up/down on products in real time via chat and asynchronously using Facebook Connect,” according to a press release from Fluid Inc.. The collaborative shopping service is priced based on the application’s effectiveness on company’s sites, and starts at $12,000 per year. Click HERE to read the entire release.
On April 30 SIMA announced its elected officials for 2009. Among those announcements came news that Doug Palladini, VP of Marketing for Vans was named President of the trade association. Transworld Business caught up with Palladini to congratulate him and see what his first presidential initiatives will be. Here’s what he had to say:
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Vans announced today that it has established offices in Quebec, Canada.
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Vans domestic revenues up 3%, The North Face up 14% globally.
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Vans is cutting the ribbon at its new store in Denver’s upscale Cherry Creek Mall and with a grand opening soiree this Saturday complete with giveaways and appearances by Vans snow team riders
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Check out the latest in this rock collab line.
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VANS AND PROTECT OUR WINTERS TEAM-UP ON ECO-FRIENDLY SNOWBOARD BOOTS
Vans x POW Men’s and Women’s Boots to Hit Shops this Fall
Cypress, CA (March 23, 2009) – Climate change is a major threat to our planet and to the future of snowboarding. In an effort to promote awareness of the issue, Vans has partnered with Protect Our Winters (POW), an organization dedicated to helping reverse the global warming crisis threatening winter sports, on a special snowboard boot project for the 2009-10 snow season.
Partnering with POW, Vans re-constructed it’s top of the line men’s Cirro and women’s Veil snowboard boots with eco-friendly materials including 100% recycled PET textile, 50% recycled PET synthetic and non-toxic water-based solvents. The boots also feature Vans’ custom designed BOA™ focus system, offering riders unprecedented tech and performance in an exceptional, eco-friendly package.
“We’re proud to be such an integral part of this project with Vans - they’ve really taken it to the next level by looking internally and taking the necessary steps to fight climate change by changing their design and manufacturing processes,” said POW’s Founder Jeremy Jones. “It’s exciting and we hope it influences the rest of the industry”.
Available in early fall 2009, the Vans x POW snowboard boots will be sold at board shops worldwide.
A portion of proceeds from the collaboration will go to POW, helping to fund programs and educate the consumer toward achieving one goal we all share – protecting our winters.
About Protect Our Winters:
Protect Our Winters (POW) is a tax exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to reversing the global warming crisis by uniting the winter sports community and focusing collective efforts towards a common goal. POW redirects corporate and individual contributions towards community-based renewable energy projects and educational initiatives that have a direct impact on the issue, while also working closely with industry partners to explore more responsible ways to do business. For more information on Protect Our Winters please visit www.protectourwinters.org.
About Vans:
Vans is the original action sports footwear company and continues to be deeply rooted in board sports. Vans supports snowboarding through a comprehensive line of snowboard boots and outerwear, grassroots events around the globe and through sponsorship of many of the world’s top professional snowboarders such as Andreas Wiig and Hana Beaman. For more information on Vans Snowboard boots and outerwear please visit www.vanssnow.com .
VANS, the Vans logo, designs and model names are trademarks of Vans, Inc.
Academy Snowboard Co. will be hosting their 3rd Annual snowboard camp at Boreal Resort in Tahoe, California on April 4-5 for only $179. This 2 day camp will be coached exclusively by Academy Pro riders Jonas Michilot, Chad Tarbell, Ryan Tarbell, Melissa Evans, Nick Poohachoff and other Academy riders. All skill levels are welcome as campers will be split into beginner ,intermediate and advanced classes so each shredder gets his proper schooling.
The $179 registration fee covers (2) free lift tickets, lunch for both days, private sessioning and instructions by the Academy Shred team, tips on board maintenance, over $100 worth of goodies from 686,Neff, Vans Boots, Von Zipper, Da Kine, Flux and Inno Racks and Skullcandy for each camper, meet some new friends, and a guaranteed great time.
Any questions contact Boreal at 530-426-3666 ext. 187 or camps@academysnowboards.com. Registration forms are available at www.rideboreal.com under “terrain parks” . You must register by March 26th
so get on it and first 50 campers to register get a FREE pair of Skull Candy headphones.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE -
THE VANS PIER CLASSIC PRESENTED BY JACK’S SURFBOARDS KICKS OFF MARCH 25
AT HUNTINGTON BEACH PIER AND ON THE WEB
The Second Stop of the 2009 World Qualifying Series Tour includes a Men’s WQS 2-Star Vans Pro and Men’s Grade 2 Ezekiel Pro Junior
Cypress, CA (March 18, 2009) – The 4th Annual Vans Pier Classic presented by Jack’s Surfboards takes over the Huntington Beach pier Wednesday, March 25 through Sunday, March 29. The event, which will be the second stop of the ASP North American Tour and first event of the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, consists of a Men’s WQS 2-Star Vans Pro and a Men’s Grade 2 Ezekiel Pro Junior. The contest will feature many of the best young surfers in the world vying for title honors and part of the $35,000 up for grabs.
Those that can’t make it out to the pier can catch live webcasts of the entire event at www.vans.com. Also look for plenty of photos and daily live up-dates.
Surfers confirmed to compete among the 230 men draw include 2008 Pier Classic champ Shaun Ward as well as Hank Gaskell, John John Florence, Andrew Doheny, Jason ‘Ratboy’ Collins and Dylan Perillo.
Contest Schedule:
Wednesday, March 25
8:00a – 1:20p Vans Pro Men’s Round 1
1:20p – 4:00p Vans Pro Men’s Round 2
Thursday, March 26
8:00a – 10:40a Vans Pro Men’s Rnd 2 Cont.
10:40a – 4:00p Vans Pro Men’s Round 3
Friday, March 27
8:00a – 1:20p Vans Pro Men’s Round 4
1:20p – 2:40p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 1
2:40p – 4:00p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 2
Saturday, March 28
8:00a – 9:20a Ezekiel Pro JR Rnd 2 Cont.
9:20a – 12:00p Vans Pro Men’s Round 5
12:00p – 2:40p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 3
2:40p – 4:00p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 4
Sunday, March 29
8:00a – 9:20a Ezekiel Pro JR Rnd 4 Cont.
9:20a – 10:40a Ezekiel Pro JR Quarterfinals
10:40a – 12:00p Vans Pro Men’s Quarterfinals
12:00p – 12:50p Ezekiel Pro JR Semi-Finals
12:50p – 1:40p Vans Pro Men’s Semi-Finals
1:40p – 2:10p Ezekiel Pro JR FINALS
2:10p – 2:40p Vans Pro Men’s FINALS
3:00p - Awards Presentation
The Vans Pier Classic presented by Jack’s Surfboards is made possible by the support of Ezekiel, Rockstar, Anon Optics, Xcel, Freestyle, TransWorld SURF and Surfline.com.
For more information on Vans and the Vans Pier Classic, visit www.vans.com.
About Vans:
Vans, the leading surf/skate lifestyle brand, supports and promotes surfing through a full line of surf footwear and apparel, events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing™ and through sponsorship of many of the world’s top surfers such as Joel Tudor, Timmy Reyes, Karina Petroni and Nathan Fletcher.
About Jack’s Surfboards:
Jack’s Surfboards reached a milestone in 2007 celebrating it’s 50th year in business. Since 1957, Jack’s has built a reputation as an icon in surf retail. It has been the place to go for surf fans around the world to find the newest surf products and clothing labels. Offering a huge selection of surfboards, wetsuits, skateboards, snowboards, apparel and accessories, Jack’s is Orange County’s premier surf shop.
About Ezekiel:
For over 15 years Ezekiel has consistently introduced progressive fashion to the market. Our strength lies in our ability to adapt to change, while consistently offering our customers fresh looks and trend right product.” www.ezekielusa.com
About Xcel:
Founded in 1982, Xcel International, Inc. (Xcel) is a global wetsuit brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Xcel’s core wetsuit business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Xcel’s primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and sun (UV protection). In addition to its North Shore office, Xcel operates two retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse/repair facility in California. To learn more about Xcel, please visit www.xcelwetsuits.com.
About Freestyle:
Founded in 1981, Freestyle is a leading action sports watch Manufacturer. The Freestyle watch collection includes a full line of Performance and lifestyle watches for men, women and youth, all styles are water resistant to 100 meters or more and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. With roots firmly planted in surf, Freestyle proudly sponsors a team of highly respected surfers including Bede Durbidge, Shane Dorian, Cory Lopez, Anthony Walsh as well as junior standouts Nat Young, Andrew Doheny and Sage Erickson. For more information, visit www.freestyleusa.com.
About Anon Optics:
Anon Optics is a manufacturer of premium quality and high performance Sunglasses and goggles. Anon combines the dynamic worlds of boardsports and high fashion, offering a unique mix of optic solutions and products. Driven by a team of snow, surf and skate athletes, anon combines its creative influences and individual styles to become an industry leader in the market for premium branded sunglasses and goggles. www.anonoptics.com
About Rockstar:
“ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles - from athletes to rock stars.
ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eleven amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, and Roasted Light Vanilla. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors.
ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, and throughout the United Kingdom.”
About TransWorld SURF:
Since its inception in 1999, TransWorld SURF has become the embodiment of youth, progression and innovation. Through its print and online properties, TransWorld SURF is the fastest growing surf media brand in the industry. Found online at transworldsurf.com, TransWorld SURF is based in Carlsbad, California and published monthly by the Bonnier Corporation.
Bonnier Corporation (www.bonniercorp.com) is one of the largest consumer-publishing groups in America and the leading media company serving passionate, highly engaged audiences through more than 40 special-interest magazines and related Web properties; television, cable, radio, VOD and mobile content; live events; and branded products.
About ASP:
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America. For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org.
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