International and Domestic Buyers to Descend on Surf Expo This Week
More than 6,000 international and domestic buyers are expected to converge with established and up-and-coming brands at Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center from Sept. 5 to 7.
The show will feature more than 650 exhibitors representing more than 750 brands which make up the best of the watersports and coastal life industries, including surf, paddle, skate, wake, swim, resort, footwear, and gifts.
“Not only will this show bring together all the major brands along with new and emerging products that are setting the trends for next year, but it will also feature a larger number of global exhibitors and attendees,” said Surf Expo Show Director and SVP Roy Turner.
“This surge in interest is driving strong attendance from international retailers who are looking to our market as the leader across the surf, beach, and resort product categories.”
A long list of buyers from across the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond are registered alongside well-known retail chains. This year’s international buyers and distributors so far include: Black Sheep from Peru, Beach House and Dusty Roots from Mexico, KAH Lifestyle from Guatemala, Mango Surf & Skate and Pura Vida Ride from Costa Rica, Aton Sports from Brazil, Salamander Retail Group and Coconuts by De Palm from Aruba, Mirandski from Chile, Toda Moda and Kokomo from Puerto Rico, MOCEAN from Bermuda, Progressive Distributors and Red Sail Sports from the Cayman Islands, and Viking Productions from the Bahamas.
Big names like Sun Diego, LL Bean, Palace Entertainment, Six Flags, Dillard’s, Ritz-Carlton, PGA Resort, Val Surf, Glik’s, Hi-Tech Surf Sports, K-Coast, Rooster Bus, Burlington, SCHEELS, Hawaiian Island Creations, Quiet Storm, Jack’s, Coastal Edge, Surf Style Retail Mgmt., Aqua East, Swimwear Solutions, Town and Country, Marshall Retail Group, Swim Mart/Swim City and many more are also registered for this year’s show.
Established Brands and Up-and-Comers
September’s Surf Expo exhibitors will feature a mixture of up-and-coming brands and established names.
Familiar names such as Hurley, Quiksilver, Body Glove, Rip Curl, O’Neill, Billabong, RVCA, and Volcom will be in attendance, and up-and-coming names such as Seager, Former, Rivvia, Duvin, Free Fly, GOORIN, and Aloha Collection will also be exhibiting.
More brands in the lineup include IPD, Roark, Katin, Salty Crew, …Lost, Jetty, VISSLA, Skullcandy, Dark Seas, Diff Eyewear, Birkenstock, PQ Swim, Rhythm, Chubbies, Howler Brothers, Rocket Dog, Spartina 449, Tommy Bahama, PrAna, Skechers, ORCA, and GCI Outdoor.
Education, Happy Hours, and Mini KISS is Back
Fashion shows and education sessions are programmed throughout the three-day event. New buyer attendees can learn how best to navigate Surf Expo on Day One with Buyer Relations Director Steven “Fish” Fisher. Learn more about the surf therapy movement with author Cash Lambert, how to generate cash with the Retail Smart Guys, and attend a retailer roundtable hosted by BRA Chairman and Modern Skate & Surf’s George Leichtweis.
In addition to happy hours hosted by Flip Flop Shops, Skullcandy, Red Dragon, and more, KISS cover band Mini KISS is back at Surf Expo, 20 years after making its Surf Expo debut, at the industry party on Thursday night.
There’s still time to register for this year’s event, Turner said.
“If you are in the business of beach, it is a must-attend event.”
