These popular clothing brands are vanishing – find out which ones before it’s too late
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The retail landscape is ever-changing, and for those of us who have ridden the waves of fashion trends through the years, it's with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to some of the most iconic clothing brands that have defined generations.
The news has hit like a rogue wave as many establishments are shuttering their doors across the United States, leaving a palpable void in the hearts of those who've donned their logos with pride. Will your favorite brand close down?
The surf and skate cultures have long been intertwined with the casual, cool aesthetic of brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA and Volcom.
These names have not only clothed the youth in their quest for adventure but have also become linked with a free-spirited lifestyle that many of us have aspired to or lived.
However, the tides of commerce are unforgiving, and these beloved brands are now succumbing to the pressures of a tumultuous retail environment.
Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the parent company that owns these storied labels, has been navigating rough waters.
In a bold move in September 2023, ABG acquired a fleet of surf companies such as Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, Honolua, and Boardriders for $1.2 billion, but the celebration was short-lived.
The subsequent bankruptcy of Liberated Brands, the entity responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of these clothes, has led to the closure of all 124 stores in the US, with a significant impact on California—the very heartland of surf culture–of which 35 stores closed down.
Many layoffs happened as part of the deal, and most of the companies’ licensing rights were given to Liberated companies. Although, most of the well-known surfers have decided to buy their products elsewhere.
Liberated Labels has filed for bankruptcy, causing them to close. This is sad news for those who grew up with these labels.
Also read: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
“The volatility of the global economy, shifts in consumer spending patterns, the rising cost of living, and inflationary pressures have taken a heavy toll,” the company wrote in a statement.
Despite the efforts to keep these brands afloat, the decision to close the stores was inevitable. But it's not all doom and gloom for fans of these labels.
The brands will continue to ride the waves through partner retailers and other complementary brands, ensuring that the legacy of these iconic surfwear companies lives on.
The retreat of these surfwear giants is not an isolated incident. The convenience store chain 7-Eleven is also feeling the squeeze, with nearly 300 locations set to close nationwide. The reasons echo those of the surf brands: inflation, reduced foot traffic, and sluggish sales.
Source: ABC 10 News / Youtube.
And let's not forget Esprit, a brand that once epitomized the fashion zeitgeist of the '80s and '90s. It too has succumbed to the pressures of the times, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and closing all of its US stores.
Also read:
Did you have a favorite Quiksilver boardshort or a Billabong jacket that accompanied you on an unforgettable trip? How do you feel about these changes, and what do you think the future holds for surf and skate fashion? Share your thoughts in the comments be
The news has hit like a rogue wave as many establishments are shuttering their doors across the United States, leaving a palpable void in the hearts of those who've donned their logos with pride. Will your favorite brand close down?
The surf and skate cultures have long been intertwined with the casual, cool aesthetic of brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA and Volcom.
These names have not only clothed the youth in their quest for adventure but have also become linked with a free-spirited lifestyle that many of us have aspired to or lived.
Iconic surf and skate brands such as Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom are closing all their stores in the US after their parent company, Liberated Brands, filed for bankruptcy. Image source: ABC 10 News / Youtube.
However, the tides of commerce are unforgiving, and these beloved brands are now succumbing to the pressures of a tumultuous retail environment.
Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the parent company that owns these storied labels, has been navigating rough waters.
In a bold move in September 2023, ABG acquired a fleet of surf companies such as Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, Honolua, and Boardriders for $1.2 billion, but the celebration was short-lived.
The subsequent bankruptcy of Liberated Brands, the entity responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of these clothes, has led to the closure of all 124 stores in the US, with a significant impact on California—the very heartland of surf culture–of which 35 stores closed down.
Many layoffs happened as part of the deal, and most of the companies’ licensing rights were given to Liberated companies. Although, most of the well-known surfers have decided to buy their products elsewhere.
Liberated Labels has filed for bankruptcy, causing them to close. This is sad news for those who grew up with these labels.
Also read: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
“The volatility of the global economy, shifts in consumer spending patterns, the rising cost of living, and inflationary pressures have taken a heavy toll,” the company wrote in a statement.
Despite the efforts to keep these brands afloat, the decision to close the stores was inevitable. But it's not all doom and gloom for fans of these labels.
The brands will continue to ride the waves through partner retailers and other complementary brands, ensuring that the legacy of these iconic surfwear companies lives on.
The retreat of these surfwear giants is not an isolated incident. The convenience store chain 7-Eleven is also feeling the squeeze, with nearly 300 locations set to close nationwide. The reasons echo those of the surf brands: inflation, reduced foot traffic, and sluggish sales.
Source: ABC 10 News / Youtube.
And let's not forget Esprit, a brand that once epitomized the fashion zeitgeist of the '80s and '90s. It too has succumbed to the pressures of the times, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and closing all of its US stores.
Also read:
- Is your favorite local department store shutting down? 27 stores are closing and yours could be next!
- Major retailer announces dozen store closures—is your neighborhood affected
- Is your favorite store closing? The shocking forecast of 15,000 retail closures by 2025
Did you have a favorite Quiksilver boardshort or a Billabong jacket that accompanied you on an unforgettable trip? How do you feel about these changes, and what do you think the future holds for surf and skate fashion? Share your thoughts in the comments be
