Quiksilver Inc has acquired one of Australia's leading retail groups, Surfection. These stores will join Quiksilver's more than 240 Boardriders Club stores throughout the world. The deal comprises the purchase of five key Surfection stores and the five Quiksilver/Roxy concept stores. The acquisition is integral to Quiksilver's current retail growth and its long term Asia Pacific strategy in opening Boardriders Club stores in Japan, China and South East Asia. The sale price is rumoured to be around $50million, although this is very much unconfirmed.

Surfection Group owner, Chris Athas, will take on an executive role at Quiksilver as Retail Director for Asia Pacific. He will work directly with Clive Fitts, President of Quiksilver Asia Pacific. "Chris has been an integral part of the Boardrider Club rollout strategy in Australia and his retail expertise will be a key attribute in developing similar stores throughout China, Japan and South East Asia," said Fitts.

According to Quiksilver’s Marketing Manager, Garry Wall, the effect on staff will be a positive one. “It (the sale) expands Quiksilver’s retail operations and provides more opportunities for Quiksilver staff, as well as Surfection staff, who move from a 10 store operation in to a global retail network of over 240 stores that will provide them with great opportunities to reach their full potential.”

“The deal is effective immediately and the re-branding of the five Surfection stores will happen over the coming months,” said Garry Wall.

"The acquisition clearly identifies Quiksilver's vision for retail in the surf industry," said Chris Athas. "Quiksilver have once again taken the initiative in what I have no doubt will be a very successful decision to add Surfection's considerable retail expertise and presence to their own."

Surfection turned up the heat on the Australian surf retail landscape last September when it unveiled its newly designed flagship store at Manly beach. In an interview conducted earlier this year with global fashion forecasting website WGSN.com, Bruce Raymond, President of Quiksilver International, commended the Surfection Group for maintaining its authentic surf shop approach while setting a very high standard internationally in surf retail with excellent merchandising and customer service.

The Surfection Fact File:

• Established in 1986, Surfection prides itself on offering both
  hardcore surf products for beginners to professional surfers.
• Awarded the best retail company by Australian Surfing Life magazine in
  1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
• 1,250 square metres in retail space and Bondi with 500 square metres
  in retail space.
• The flagship store also retains the historic Manly pine tree that is
  highlighted in the courtyard and full glass at the back of the store .
• In 2005, FHM awarded The Quiksilver Bondi Store the Retail Concept
  Award category.

Island Surfboards wins the inaugural Quiksilver Core Store Surf Challenge

Quiksilver’s Core Store Challenge bought together Australia's top surf teams working within surf stores. More than 50 surf stores throughout Australia and New Zealand participated in the inaugural Core Store Challenge with Phillip Island Surfboards (Victoria) winning the final and taking the ultimate prize, a team surf trip of a life time aboard the Quiksilver Crossing!

Island Surfboards defeated Aloha, Manly, and NSW – by the narrowest of margins – a mere 0.3 of a point across the five-team surfer event.

Island's team included former world professional, Glyndon Ringrose, former state champion, Simon McShane, Amber Goldsworthy, Sandy Ryan and Daniel Laing. Island Surfboards have two stores at Phillip Island (Cowes and Smith's Beach) and specialise in Surfboards, Surfwear and conduct a Surfschool at Smiths Beach.

Due to the success of the inaugural Core Store Challenge, Quiksilver plans to continue the event next year.

Cult Concept Store Opens At Salt Cult Industries launched their fourth concept store, located at the illustrious Outrigger Resort, Salt Village, and Kingscliff on the NSW northern beaches. Opening on Saturday 26 March, the store was inundated with young locals and public. The 480 square metre store showcases the entire Cult range, including t-shirts, boardshorts, jeans, jackets, bags, wallets, caps and every other item you can think of. According to company spokesperson Greg Paltridge, “Cult is proud of its latest venture and is confident the store will prosper as the Outrigger Resort estimates between 75 to 80 per cent annual occupancy.”