2025 brought significant developments to the outdoor and action sports industries, as reflected in Shop Eat Surf Outdoor’s most-read news stories.
The financial struggles of Liberated Brands, marked by a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and the liquidation of stores under the Billabong, Quiksilver, and Volcom banners, were among the year’s most notable events. The industry also faced somber moments, including the loss of three avalanche victims, one of whom was The North Face’s Alex Pashley.
Other key stories included REI’s decision to close several stores as part of a broader transformation strategy, Mountain Hardwear’s rebrand gaining traction with specialty retailers, and highlights from Surf Expo.
Here are the Top 10 most-viewed news stories of 2025:
- Liberated Begins Liquidating Billabong, Quiksilver, Volcom, Honolua Stores
- Liberated Brands Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
- Outdoor Industry Mourns Three Avalanche Victims, Including The North Face’s Alex Pashley
- REI Co-op to Close Three Stores Including NYC SoHo Flagship
- REI CEO Mary Beth Laughton Unveils Three-Year Transformation Strategy
- Volcom Co-Founder Richard Woolcott on Why He Invested in Florence
- Replay: Dick’s Sporting Goods to Shrink Public Lands Store Count
- Black Diamond, Clarus Subpoenaed Over Avalanche Safety Equipment Response
- Mountain Hardwear Rebrand Pays Off, and Specialty Outdoor Retailers Are Noticing
- Photos and Report from Surf Expo
Don’t miss: Upheaval, Resilience and Community: 2025’s Biggest Surf and Outdoor Industry Stories.
