HIC CEO Leigh Tonai Talks Surf Industry Consolidation, Business Trends, Brand Loyalty and More
We spoke with Hawaiian Island Creations CEO Leigh Tonai about consolidation in surf retail, the brands that matter…
Executive Edition May 21, 2026
Latest In: Retail
Surf Brands Get Creative to Support Surf Shop Day 2026
Surf brands marked Surf Shop Day with a mix of tribute videos, retailer kickbacks, exclusive merchandise, and in-store…
News May 18, 2026
Updated: REI Union Boycott Begins Friday as Workers, Allies Plan Storefront Actions During Anniversary Sale
Updated with REI's response to the union's latest claims. REI union workers and allies are launching a nationwide…
News May 14, 2026
Preserving Brand Identity in the Age of AI
A strategic discussion on brand, trust, discoverability, and how marketing leaders are putting AI to work. AI is…
Resource May 13, 2026
West Marine Said to Consider Chapter 11 Amid Heavy Debt Load
According to reports from Bloomberg, marine retail giant West Marine, a high-volume customer for some surf and outdoor…
News May 11, 2026
Trade Court Invalidates 10% Across-the-Board Tariffs that Cost U.S. Businesses $8 Billion in March
The tariffs have been substantial: In March 2026, the first full month the duties were imposed, U.S. businesses…
News May 9, 2026
Kings & Queens: Inside the New Hawaiian Lifestyle Retail Concept Built by Surf Industry Veterans
Ajai Datta, Kalyn White and Lyn Lange are applying decades of large-scale retail experience to Kings & Queens,…
Executive Edition May 6, 2026
REI Narrows 2025 Losses by $102 Million as Union Targets Anniversary Sale for National Boycott
REI reported a $102 million bottom-line improvement Monday in its 2025 results, but the recovery faces an immediate…
News May 4, 2026
Carter’s CEO Doug Palladini to Exit After One Year; Replacement Named
Doug Palladini, the former Vans global president who joined the children’s apparel giant Carter’s in 2025, has exited…
News May 1, 2026
Hawaii Retail Dispatch: Stussy’s Staying Power, Tenōre’s Waikiki Play, and Aloha Collection’s Dominance
Why Tenōre is the brand everyone is talking about (and why their storefront is raising eyebrows), plus a…
Executive Edition April 27, 2026
Buyer Registration is Officially Open for Surf Expo September 2026
A long list of brands and retailers have already registered for Surf Expo, which runs from Sept. 16…
News April 20, 2026
