It’s a tough moment for surfers and skateboarders, as Volcom, Quiksilver, and Billabong are shutting down all their stores in the U.S.
According to reports, more than 100 locations are set to close pretty soon after their parent company, Liberated Brands, filed for bankruptcy.
So, what’s the deal? A mix of rising costs, inflation, and competition from fast-fashion brands made it hard for these stores to keep up.
As we previously reported, Liberated Brands was trying to make it work, but economic pressures and changing shopping habits were just too much to handle.
Fast fashion really put a dent in their game, too. With people able to grab trendy clothes online at low prices, brick-and-mortar stores struggled to keep up. The CEO pointed out that supply chain issues and high interest rates made things even tougher.
Even though the stores are closing, the brands aren’t disappearing. Authentic Brands Group, which owns all three, is moving production to a new operator.
You’ll still see Volcom, Quiksilver, and Billabong gear available at specialty shops, department stores, and online, just not in their own stores anymore.
Retail closures have been hitting hard lately, and this is just the latest in a long line of big names cutting back.
Kohl’s and Macy’s are also shutting down some locations, and experts think over 15,000 stores will close in 2025 - double the number from last year.
If you’ve had your eye on a Volcom hoodie or a Quiksilver tee, now’s the time to snag it before it’s gone!