#89 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 €5 BURTON SNOWBOARDS’ FRANCK WATERLOT BUSINESS OF WAVE POOLS BRAND PROFILES, BUYER SCIENCE & MUCH MORE TREND REPORTS: FW18/19 SNOWBOARD BOOTS & BINDINGS, HELMETS & PROTECTION, SURF APPAREL, STREETWEAR, BACKPACKS, CRUISERS, SKATESHOES & SOCKS US Editor Harry Mitchell Thompson
[email protected] HELLO #89 In this, the age of the influencer, *shudders*, that working together to elevate customer Skate Editor Dirk Vogel a brand’s message is now entrusted upon experience is easier than ever before. We
[email protected] the distribution network/channels of these look forward to hearing of the next brands self-made pariahs. But is there anyone more to embrace bricks and mortar and work influential than the independent retailer? on building innovative relationships with Senior Snowboard Contributor They are the key opinion leaders and have retailers fit for 2018. authentic, real tribes of consumers who rely Tom Wilson-North on their expertise and wisdom. When they Returning for his annual outing, our
[email protected] talk, their customers listen - they don’t just snowboard expert Tom Wilson-North slices simply click ‘like’. Yes, internet shopping is ‘n’ dices the FW18/19 snowboard boots & here to stay and those who haven’t adapted binding offer. Our Skateboard Editor, Dirk Senior Surf Contributor David Bianic have (sadly) fallen by the wayside, but a Vogel looks into the trends that’ll be popping
[email protected] physical presence is more valuable than ever. at Bright/SEEK & Jacket Required for the In this issue’s Big Wig interview (p36) we men, while our German Editor, Anna Langer speak with Burton’s VP of Sales & Marketing, susses out streetwear hype for the ladies as Senior Wakeboard Contributor Tim Woodhead Franck Waterlot where he underlines the well as snow helmets and protection.