Specialty Retailers: We need your help providing quality data to the industry– and it can win you $500 or a trip to Surf Summit worth $1600*!

Dear Specialty Retailers,

Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is currently conducting its fifth biannual retail study of the surf and skateboard specialty business with their market research partner, the Leisure Trends Group. Buyers or managers of specialty retail stores are being surveyed in a short 15-minute phone call regarding broad 2012 sales trends with the goal of painting a snapshot of the industry nationally and providing the most statistically valid overview of our industry to date to encourage and support the continued success of our businesses. Read more about this Retail Distribution Study below.

Get rewarded for your time.
We strongly encourage all specialty retailers to participate in this study when they receive the phone call from Leisure Trends Group. In addition to receiving a complimentary copy of the final report (a $5,000 value), the next 150 retailers who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a cash incentive of $500.00 AND entered into a drawing for a chance to win a trip to the surf industry's top conference -- Surf Summit 16, hosted by SIMA and BRA, this May in Los Cabos, Mexico. The trip is a $1600 value and includes the three-day conference and all-inclusive hotel stay.*

How do you participate?
To be entered to win the $500.00 and the trip to Surf Summit all you have to do is agree to take the survey when the research company calls you this week, and complete the survey. If you would prefer to set up a specific time to take the survey please call Bethany Cooner at 303-786-7900 x129 or email her at bcooner@leisuretrends.com

Thank you,
The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association

(* Surf Summit is May 15-18, 2013, at the Melia Cabo Real, an all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos. Airfare not included.)

SIMA Retail Distribution Studies

Beginning in 2004, SIMA has conducted the surf industry’s Retail Distribution Study every two years. The SIMA Retail Distribution Studies contain the most in-depth and relevant big-picture information that will help you to better understand the current retail landscape and monitor retail sales trends in the U.S. surf and skate industry.  The reports include overall surf and skate industry data and statistics covering areas such as dollar size of the markets, unit sales, regional and channel differences, and comparative sales trends. The data has proven to be of enormous use to all members, from board builders to the largest international apparel companies alike.

The 2010, 2008, 2006, and 2004 SIMA Retail Distribution Studies are currently available. SIMA Regular, Board Builder and Associate members receive these reports free of charge. 

The top-line data is available for purchase to Member Donors and non-SIMA members. Please contact the SIMA office for an order form.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER:
The 2012 SIMA Specialty Retail Distribution Study

• Survey Calls Begin January 2013 •
Learn how surf and skate specialty retailers will help advance the industry in just 15 minutes.

Specialty surf and skate shops can help the industry continue to make great strides in market research by participating in the fifth comprehensive SIMA Specialty Retail Distribution Study, initiated by the SIMA Research Committee and endorsed by the Board Retailers Association (BRA). Buyers or managers of specialty retail stores will be surveyed regarding broad 2012 sales trends with the goal of painting a snapshot of the industry nationally and providing the most statistically valid overview of our industry to date to encourage and support the continued success of our businesses.

Specialty retailers will be called at random. Survey calls asking for participation will occur in January and February 2013. On average, the survey will take 15 minutes.

Study results will provide a range of benefits to specialty retailers such as:

•  Providing an overall vision of the industry: ability to better measure your store against a national and regional average in various categories, including sales volume and product assortment.

•  Sales trend information will provide supporting data to demonstrate the vitality of the industry: a valuable benefit for obtaining financing when expanding your business, and in evaluating your buying strategies in relation to statistically shown existing and emerging trends.

•  Allows for retailers to be better served by manufacturers by showing areas for product improvements based on demonstrated strong/weak category sales trends.

Data contributed by individual stores is kept confidential; store names will not be collected during the study nor be published with study results.  Participating specialty retailers will receive a copy of the research report, a $5,000 value.

SIMA thanks specialty retailers in advance for their participation. Contact the SIMA office with any questions.

SIMA Retail Distribution Study Press Releases

07/08/2011 - SIMA Retail Study Confirms Significant Changes - Surf Industry’s Footwear, Wetsuits and Board Categories Lead Growth in 2010

07/09/2009 - Surf Industry Riding Out the Economic Storm

07/07/2007 - No Slowing Down for Surf Industry