ASR January - Best of Action Sports Shine

ASR January - Best of Action Sports Shine

Snow, events and philanthropy compliment 3-days of order writing

Laguna Beach, CA (January 17, 2005) – ASR brings out the best in the action sports industry every show and this ASR, January 14-16th in San Diego, took the best to the next level. From an increase in buying power, to events that exemplify the creativity of action sports, to the industry’s generosity giving back to SurfAid’s tsunami relief efforts, ASR buzzed with business energy.
 
“ASR January was an inspiring show,” said Kevin Flanagan, Show Director for ASR. “From the quality of our retailers, to the innovative new product, to the money raised for tsunami relief, this show produced positive vibes and results.”
 
The caliber of retailers at the show was evident in the strength of the buyer’s pen. Many successful specialty shops have opened new storefronts or expanded current stores in the last few years, representing bigger buying power per person on the floor. Exemplifying the strength of each pen, Dave Nash’s Sun Diego chain has grown by 33%, from 6 to 8 locations in the last year and his 4 buyers were hard at work over the 3-day show.
 
With over 31% of attending stores doing over 1 million in sales annually, orders were ready to be written and that was felt on the floor. “This was one of our best shows ever,” explains Jim Shubin, VP for Ezekiel. “People came in to get business done, our reps are booked.”

Snow at ASR

With many retailers asking for even more under one roof, the presence of snowboarding gear in the ASR mix proved useful. For the first time, Quiksilver brand had all of its product represented and was glad to have snow available. “Key accounts and media that we don’t usually have the chance to show snow to, were able to see it at ASR,” says Dave Rosenberger, VP of Quiksilver Snow.
 
Many key retailers jump started their snowboard product buying at January’s show. Jurgen Schultz owner of Encinitas’ K-5 Board Shop spent all 3 days at ASR and took a whole day to see snow. Duke Edukas of Surfside appreciated the diversification of the brands, “I’m always looking for more from the brands I carry and having more, like snow lines at the show, makes my job easier,” Edukas elaborated.

686 came to ASR to launch the company’s new sportswear line, but brought outerwear into the mix and picked up new specialty accounts in the process. Another benefit was found in the timing, “getting people in early saves turnaround time later and with outerwear that is especially important,” explains Mike West, owner of 686.
 
Action Sports Giving Back

ASR and industry associations SIMA, BRA and IASC worked to sell black ‘Band Together’ wristbands to support SurfAid International’s tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia.

“We are overwhelmed and appreciative of the support by ASR, SIMA, BRA and the manufacturers who got behind this effort,” says Mikke Pierson, board member of SurfAid. Many of the brands stepped up with big contributions buying hundreds of the $5 bands at a time and donating additional funds to the effort. The vintage surf auction started off with bidding on the autographed boards from surf’s biggest names that brought an additional $16,000+ to SurfAid’s tsunami relief work. The industry raised over $40,000 at ASR alone.
 
The public can join the action sports industry by banding together in support of SurfAid’s tsunami relief efforts by going to SurfAidInternational.org and ordering a wrist band. The wristbands will also be available for purchase at local boardsports specialty shops.
 
Special Events

In breaks between doing business, attendees were treated to ground breaking events.
 
An unheard of line up of skate legends came together at ASR for NHS’ book signing of Built to Grind including Independent founders, Richard Novack, Fausto Vitello, and Eric Swenson and pros Danny Way, Steve Olson and Steve Alba. Also making the scene at ASR were team riders for various manufacturers like Tony Hawk, Sophia Mulanovich and Bob Burnquist who took turns at booths signing posters and boards. Nixon’s Shop T-Shirt Contest finished with, SBI shop employee, Jason Graham, walking away with a $10,000 Pratt art school scholarship.
 
ASR’s fashion show, set to rocking music and presented with attitude, highlighted the biggest trends for summer and fall. The stage is now set for the next ASR show March 8th and 9th in Huntington Beach where retailers and manufacturers will wrap up their substantial fall orders for the important back to school delivery. ASR returns to San Diego next September 9-11th.