The vertical trend continues in the industry as Zumiez disclosed in a quarterly filing that it holds a 14.3% interest in an industry manufacturer of apparel and hardgoods.
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It paid $2 million for the investment, which was made in May of this year. It did not disclose the name of the manufacturer.
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Another large retailer, PacSun, recently acquired the license for the Modern Amusement brand, which it will design, manufacture and sell.
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On the other side of the equation, industry manufacturers continue to invest in retail, including Billabong’s recent acquisition of West 49 in Canada, Becker Surf in Southern California, and Rush Surf in Australia.
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