Below you will find helpful and relevant articles that we carefully curate for the benefit of our B.R.A. Retail Members almost every day. Be sure to scroll through the most recent article or use the Search/Lookup feature to find topics and keywords related to articles that may help you to lower costs, increase margins or create more remarkable customer experiences.

“The Slow Burn in Retail” by Deborah Patton via The Robin Report

by admin | Jul 21, 2026 | Artificial Intelligence / CHAT GPT, Brick & Mortar, Community, Consumer Behavior, Customer Experience, Customer Service, News

It’s summer-escape time, and we’ve all run into the addictive, slow-burn love stories typically found on epic, multi-episodic romantic streamers. You’re rooting for the intractable lead character who just needs a persistent love-washing treatment to reveal his or her...

“A Skateboarder’s Ted Talk: Modifying Men’s Mental Health” by Blair Alley via Transworld Skateboarding

by admin | Mar 30, 2026 | Community, Industry, Mental Health, Skateboard

Former pro John Gardner and fifteen minutes that is well worth your time. Key Points John Gardner, ex-pro skater, shifted focus to men’s mental health advocacy and therapy. His TEDx talk urges reimagining therapy “shoulder to shoulder,” not just traditional settings....

“Etnies, éS, and Emerica Closed E-Commerce Sites for Skate Shop Day” by Tiffany Montgomery via Shop Eat Surf

by admin | Mar 5, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Community, Customer Experience, E-Commerce, Event Planning, Holiday, News, Opinion, Shoe Market, Skateboard

Clockwise from top left: Swedish sales rep Ante with the Kiosk Skate Shop crew in Orebro, Sweden; Kevin “Spanky” Long delivered a hand-drawn postcard and donuts to Val Surf in Los Angeles; A special delivery of goodies for Slappy’s Garage in San...

“How Dick’s Sporting Goods Built a $13.7 Billion Business by Putting Community First” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Feb 4, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Community, Customer Experience, News, Opinion, Outdoor, Resources, Retail Strategy

“It’s Never Just a Baseball Glove”: The Story That Shaped Dick’s Culture Dick’s Sporting Goods built a $13.7 billion business by treating every customer as a human being first and a transaction second. At NRF’s Big Show this past...

“SURF EXPO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY: WHAT BRAND MARKETERS AND SPONSORS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO” by Roy Turner via the SightlineLive.com blog

by admin | Jan 31, 2026 | Community, News, Outdoor, Resources, Skateboard, Story Telling, Surf, Surf Expo, Trade Shows

Surf Expo kicked off its 50th anniversary with a high-energy January edition that reinforced its role as the leading global marketplace for watersports and coastal lifestyle brands. A 15% increase in retail company attendance translated into...

“TransWorld To Be Inducted Into The International Skateboarding Hall of Fame” by Blair Alley of Transworld Skateboarding Magazine

by admin | Jan 25, 2026 | Awards, Community, Industry, News, Skateboard

The International Skateboarding Hall of Fame just announced the Class of 2026 Inductees. Key Points The 2026 Skateboarding Hall of Fame inductees include TransWorld SKATEboarding and other key figures. The ceremony takes place May 15, 2026, at Vans Headquarters in...