MAGIC Forges Strategic Alliance With The Board Retailers Association (BRA)

LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MAGIC today announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with The Board Retailers Association (BRA), a non-profit trade association representing more than 600 action sports retailers in the surf, skate, snow, wake, kite, wind and stand-up paddle industry.  As part of the partnership, BRA will have significant presence on MAGIC's August show floor, including a BRA resource center at the hub of the show and an opening-day educational seminar, which includes a panel of retail veterans moderated by Duke Edukas of Surfide Sports discussing both marketplace trends as well as how to make the most of your three days at MAGIC. Additionally, BRA will co-host with MAGIC an invitation-only dinner for board sports retailers.

"Given that BRA is the leading voice and educational resource for independent retailers, an alliance of this kind allows us the opportunity to serve the diverse needs and deepen our relationships with exhibitors and buyers in the action sports industry," Chris DeMoulin, MAGIC International President and Executive Vice President of Advanstar's Fashion Group said.  

"It's important to us to continue to expand and grow our industry affiliations to ensure that we are providing retailers with optimum trade show access and buying opportunities," said Michael Duncan, President of BRA.  "Many of our members have attended MAGIC regularly as part of their buying for years.  In addition to acknowledging its relevance to our industry, this partnership will make other boardsports retailers aware of all that MAGIC has to offer."

As part of its new partnership with MAGIC and the association's commitment to education, BRA will showcase unique videos of key retailers, members of the industry and their stories on its website at boardretailers.org. BRA will also host a "How to Shop MAGIC" seminar the first morning of the show, where veteran action sports MAGIC attendees will help outline an efficient plan and route of action for BRA members tackling the show for the first time.  Retailers will be shown first-hand how they can grow and expand their partnerships, discover new lines and products, and educate themselves and their buyers at the trade show.

Retailers who are not yet members of BRA are encouraged to stop by the BRA Booth at MAGIC for more information about the benefits of joining their community: being privy to discounts and special benefits, the advice and mentoring by other members, and being kept abreast of the latest education and technology.

About MAGIC

Every August and February, the fashion industry converges in Las Vegas for the most influential event in the business – MAGIC. The August 2011 MAGIC will run from August 22 – 24, 2011. For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information please visit www.magiconline.com.  

About Board Retailers Association (BRA)

The Board Retailers Association (BRA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 3,500 action sport storefronts across the country. The association serves as the preeminent voice for independent retailers on a grassroots level with manufacturers, trade show representatives, and other associations. BRA also works to provide educational resources and exclusive discounts and savings from vendors on the day-to-day costs of business. For a complete explanation and description of Retail Member benefits, visit www.boardretailers.org.  

SOURCE MAGIC