New Concepts Make ASR THE Place to Get Down to Business in 2008

New Concepts Make ASR THE Place to Get Down to Business in 2008

The Action Sports Retailer Expo, ASR, touches down in San Diego this January 24-26th with new brands and evolving features that will make ASR the business event of 2008.

Look for 75 emerging brands and dozens of expanding lines from the industry’s hottest labels. A new Thursday-Saturday schedule will assist the industry in getting the most out of summer and fall buying opportunities. To further ensure that ASR remains the three most productive days of buying this season, ASR is also offering an expanded floorplan guide and a new digital LineUp.

“We’re always listening to our customers’ feedback and striving to improve the business aspects of ASR,” says Andy Tompkins, ASR Show Director. “New show dates, digital show information and the creation of features such as the retailer’s lounge are constantly considered to make ASR more productive for the entire industry.”

The Thursday-Saturday format is designed to satisfy the growing need of retail buyers to accomplish their business goals during the workweek. By retaining one weekend day, retailers who can only leave their shops on the weekend can still benefit from the opportunity to view lines from over 500 brands under one roof.

Look for significant new line extensions from industry leaders including a young contemporary women’s collection from Quiksilver and a shoe program at O’Neill. “Although the new women’s collection will be sold through a variety of other venues and channels, some of which are new to our brand, it is imperative that we make a statement at ASR, maintain the conversation with our loyal base of better surf and specialty retailers and launch this incredible new offering in the best places possible,” says Steve Tully, President, Quiksilver Brands in the Americas.
 
Boutique and youth culture brands including Paul Frank, Atticus and Ellwood are again finding space at ASR by popular request. “We are returning to ASR due to retailer requests and our success in the past at ASR events,” says John Oswald, CFO Paul Frank. In addition, look for unique wetsuit styling from new-to-ASR brand Matuse, edgy, music inspired footwear from MacBeth and urban driven streetwear from Temple Effectives.
 
Along with many of the brands mentioned, an additional 20 new brands will make their debut along side other emerging labels in the Goldbox Mission presented by Boost Mobile. Toward the end of December the industry will have instant access to information on new lines, sales and media contacts for all ASR exhibitors using the ASR digital LineUp found at asrbiz.com.