A Much Needed Downsizing.

My good friend The Angry Snowboarder wrote up an excellent post on the current and future state of affairs of the snowboard industry. It was very well written, and extremely truthful. It inspired me to share a semi-frequent topic of discussion that I have had with multiple long time ski/snowboard industry veterans.

It is simply the fact that, snowboarding is due for a large downsizing. I think it is a little ridiculous that there are so many random companies popping up so frequently. And also that some of those companies have hung around for a few years and are on the climb. I mean, don't get me wrong, I think it's great that there are individuals that are driven to start up their own businesses and try and break into the industry. I just think that in this current time period it is extremely challenging to compete with the companies that are already established. The even more challenging part is a lot of these "small" or start-up companies are doing things that have already been done. I do appreciate the fact that individuals are out there trying to start something or bring something to the table. But it is rare that what they are doing is truly original or different. Everyone wants to offer something that is "different" when all they're really doing is putting their own label and name on someone else's product.

If you're going to put your time and efforts into something, take the time to see if it's already out there, and what you can do to actually make an impact in a positive way. Otherwise, you're just doing the same thing, providing the same products, giving the same pitches, showing the same exact lines, colors, and styles...as a million other companies.

I'm going to elaborate in a different direction about what I have just said and say that those out there with extreme heart and soul into what they are doing, do stand out more than those who are just copying and pasting. Those out there doing grassroots and guerrilla marketing. Those who actually are putting a spin and twist on things that have been done a million times. Those small companies and individuals who are supporting the local community and pushing to do the same that they do for their locals on a national level. You can usually tell these companies/individuals from the others. I will put it simply, they have goals, they are driven to succeed, and they will not let anything stop the progression of their brand. They give back to their local community first, before trying to spread their name out there and make a quick buck. They do what they can to help establish their brand and plant solid roots in the ground. They will not let anything get in the way of their growth. They are driven by pure heart and soul for this industry. At least if a start-up company with that mentality went under after a few years I would consider that an actual loss of something good that could've been great. Other than so many of these companies or people that are just in it for the money or fame.

All those others who don't seem to care about the long-term growth and balance of this industry...will determine their own fate. Or even worse, have their fate determined by the hands of the consumers.

Be a smart and educated consumer, and understand what and why you are supporting certain things and ideas. It is the most raw and base level that you as an individual can contribute back positively to the snowboard industry and make sure the brands, companies, and shops that you want to stick around actually will.

First off, shop local. Local businesses support the brands that the community wants and the local shops are here for YOU. To a majority of these corporate companies your money is nothing more than dollar signs. They don't care about providing back for the local snowboard community. When's the last corporate store local rail jam you saw? At least at where we live in the Mid-Atlantic. I'm sure it may be different out West. Corporate stores also do not have the ability to have the same control over what products they are providing for their local shoppers. Where the local business is a direct reflection of what their community wants. Simply, if you shop corporate, you are basically a contributor to the death of your local snowboard shop. And having seen many shops come and go, just know your purchases and decisions on where you shop really does matter. You too can make an impact, by choosing to shop local.

All that is meant to happen will happen naturally. Brands and companies will start phasing themselves out. And those that were able to stick it out will come through this economy low and begin to rise again.

All we can do until then is keep our heads up and support what's important to us.

XO/sarah