California Apparel News

Huntington Beach, Calif.–based surf giant Quiksilver has signed a licensing agreement with Menomonee Falls, Wis.–based big-box retailer Kohl’s Corp. for Hang Ten. Originally a surf brand launched in the 1960s by surf legend Duke Boyd, Hang Ten will be reincarnated come Spring 2009 as a “California lifestyle collection for young shoppers,” according to a statement released by the companies.

Sold exclusively at select Kohl’s locations and online at www.kohls.com, with a broader distribution set for later seasons, Hang Ten’s offerings will include apparel and accessories for boys, girls, juniors and young men. Quiksilver will lead the design efforts for the brand. Kohl’s will lead the manufacturing, production, distribution and marketing efforts.

The surf giant—which also produces the Quiksilver, Roxy and Quiksilver Women lines—is no stranger to the mass market. Quiksilver has a similar license agreement with Kohl’s for the Tony Hawk skate-inspired brand. “We are excited to extend our partnership with Kohl’s to design the new Hang Ten collection as the active-sports lifestyle continues to grow. Our team will bring its unique vision to Hang Ten and focus on a creative style which is both authentic and innovative, characteristics which are important to young people when making their buying decisions,” said Marty Samuels, president of Quiksilver Americas, in a statement.

Billabong Buys Quiet Flight

Irvine, Calif.–based surf company Billabong International has announced the acquisition of Quiet Flight, the East Coast operator of core retailers. The company, one of Billabong’s key domestic retail partners and operator of Billabong’s flagship stores in New York, has 14 locations under various names. It runs stores under the Quiet Flight and Surf Warehouse monikers.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but Quiet Flight’s management team will remain with the company.

“We’re pleased to add the Quiet Flight group to our retail division. Ed Leasure’s history and knowledge of surf retailing will be a strong addition to Billabong’s business, particularly on the East Coast,” Paul Naude, president of Billabong North American business, said in a statement.

Ed Leasure, Quiet Flight’s president, said the sale allowed him to formalize a growing relationship with the Billabong group.

ASR Parent Launches MMA Show

Mixed martial arts, the quickly growing combat sport, is the anchor for Nielsen Business Media’s newest lifestyle trade show. Dubbed Virtue: Powered by ASR, the event will feature brands from the arenas of MMA, freestyle motocross and tattoo culture. Set to run concurrently with Nielsen’s Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo in San Diego on September 5–6, Virtue will occupy 5,000 square feet at the Hard Rock Hotel.

“The mixed martial arts discipline is one of the fastest-growing sports in America right now,” said Andy Tompkins, ASR’s group show director, in a statement. “We’ve had strong interest from both the exhibitor and retail side to offer a trade event for this emerging market. With Virtue, we can offer buyers a focused look at these edgier styles and give brands the opportunity to make a real impression on retailers.” In recent seasons, a handful of MMA-related brands have tried their luck on the ASR show floor, eeking out space between the surf and skate brands that dominate the show.