Bi-annually, members of the action sports industry gather in San Diego for ASR to showcase new products and to full-fill orders for the upcoming winter and spring season. Like everything else in this economy, ASR was the same. Attendance was down, less press members, and overall a scale back. What was different about this year was the introduction of ASR Class; a showing of upscale products.
ASR Class definitely generated more interest and attracted some booth attendees.
Speaking to some guests and hearing word on the street, many attendees felt last year was better. What do they really expect considering the financial situation everyone is in? ASR lost many of the small vendors who just didn't have the budget to attend the event. Of course the big sponsors were still there Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, and Volcom. What is interesting though is the absence of Nike, Hurley and Converse. With the Hurley Pro only 4 days away, the Hurley staff were probably very occupied tying up loose ends and prepping for the event. The Hurley Pro is the first time Hurley will take on the role as the sole title sponsor of major world tour surf event. As a title sponsor comes high stakes and expectation. Will be see Hurley and Nike in February???
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