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.

“Solving the Supply Chain Puzzle: How Inicio Apparel Delivers High-Quality Blanks Without the Hassle” by Alyzah Mohammed

by admin | Nov 15, 2025 | Apparel /Fashion, Brick & Mortar, News, Opinion, Outdoor, Private Label, Resources, Surf

Why retailers are turning to this solution as a smarter, more sustainable alternative to traditional sourcing models. In today’s retail climate, finding high-quality blank apparel that’s both reliable and affordable shouldn’t feel like a gamble. But for many...

“RIP Kevin Wilkins: Thank You for Everything (1967-2025)” by Brian Blakely via Transworld Skateboarding Magazine

by admin | Nov 11, 2025 | Industry, Legends, News, Rest In Peace

Copenhagen 2015 | Photo: Blair Alley Kevin Wilkins wasn’t just a voice in skateboarding—he was a backbone, a mentor, and a friend to so many. This one hurts. RIP to one of the realest. The world lost a good one yesterday, November 4, 2025. Kevin Wilkins was one of the...

“3 Problems Every Board Shop Customer Has — and How to Fix Them Instantly” by Kevin Adametz via Retail Solutions

by admin | Oct 28, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Industry, News, Product Reviews

Every board shop customer knows the struggle: killer shoes, soaked gear, and that unmistakable post-session funk. Whether it’s a day in the park, a dawn surf, or a weekend on the mountain, moisture and odor always tag along for the ride.Meet SmellWell Freshener...

“Tariffs force more Orvis store closures” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive

by admin | Oct 24, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Governmental Affairs, News, Tariffs

In 2026 Orvis will close 31 stores and five outlets. Cara Salpini/Retail Dive The outdoor retailer began scaling down a year ago in order to focus on its core sports fishing and bird hunting customer. Dive Brief: Orvis early next year will shutter 31 stores and five...

“Outdoor Retailer Has a Fresh Mindset — and New Location in Minneapolis” by Vicki M. Young via Footwear News

by admin | Oct 8, 2025 | Apparel /Fashion, Community, Industry, News, Outdoor, Trade Shows

Outdoor Retailer has a new agenda for its reimagined trade show, which now sees it setting up shop in Minneapolis. Outdoor Retailer is moving again, this time to Minneapolis as it looks to rebuild its presence in the trade show circuit. The Colorado Convention Center...

“From Family Legacy to Modern Success: The Island Water Sports Story” by Cheyne Cottrell (Co-Owner of Island Water Sports) via Trackfly blog

by admin | Sep 29, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Community, News, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies, Surf

Hi, I’m Cheyne Cottrell, General Manager and Co-Owner of Island Water Sports. My family has been riding the waves of the surf retail industry since 1977. This is my short story of how we navigated decades of challenges and expanded into new opportunities. I’ve also...