Surf Industry Vets Make Retail Play in Hawaii and Florida

While the current economic climate does not scream “Take a risk and open new retail stores!" retail veterans Ajai Datta and Ed Leasure are confident as they jump back into markets they know well.

Published: May 20, 2025By Tiffany Montgomery

Clockwise from top left: Ajai Datta in front of the new Kings & Queens store slated to open this summer in Waikiki; the remodeled Quiet Flight store in New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Ed Leasure and Ajai Datta. Photos courtesy of Ajai Datta.

With the fallout from the former Boardriders brands selling to a licensing company, in addition to the Liberated Brands bankruptcy, lots of industry talent that managed significant portfolios have looked for new opportunities.

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Posted in: Executive Edition

Tagged with: Ajai Datta, Billabong, Ed Leasure, Kings & Queens, Quiet Flight