Survival of the Fittest

As January opens a new year, so do the bi-annual Surf Expo and Action Sports Retail Trade shows bring in a new season for the Surf and Skateboarding industries. It's no news that these industries are feeling heavily, the effects of the economy, and watching as the gloom of the old brick and mortar retail stores close their doors. So, I wonder (as I did not attend), what will the air of these trade shows tell this year. Good times ahead are characterized by buyers walking in and out of appointments, beer gardens flowing, models walking the aisles, groms knocking on doors with hopes of new sponsorship, big after parties, video premieres, and free posters and stickers smothering the youth as their big eyes take in the awe of the life they aspire to have around them. Unfortunately, the story I heard was.... not many people were there to buy. I have yet to here about this weekend's ASR. I imagine most of the action was behind closed doors, as people discussed the future of the industry.

Local Sk8ers (L to R): Donald, Darien, and Andrew- ready to cruise the Int'l Spdwy Blvd- Donald, Darien, and Andrew
Background- R.I.P. Ducer Cruzer Skateshop

The question that looms- What will the skate and surf industry capitalize on next? Is their a new niche to be sought out?

The youth, the lifestyle, and the creative, laid back mentality of this industry will probably remain the same, but there are big challenges ahead in order for it to survive as a promising livelihood, with American families cutting back on spending.

Then, there is that www. wholeworldofweb2.0/shop. com. What type of role will it play in the industries survival?

I predict like most businesses, companies will cut budgets A LOT to save jobs. Will it be the pro teams, the tours, the magazine ads, the company snowboarding trips, team houses on the North Shore....

Personally, I think the foundational values of our country and relevant to this article, the surf and skate industry, is being reevaluated by its leaders and founders, and a new direction will be sought out. In the mean time,

the Darwinian Theory will come into play; that this is a natural evolution of the surf and skate industry to shake out the "weaker" links.

Hmm...will they be the core companies or the conglomerates who just hopped on the bandwagon to capitalize on "cool"...
Anyway, just something for you fellow skater citizens to think about.