"The retail landscape is ever-changing and we, as an industry need to protect our culture and our partners and evolve with the times. So during this time we turn our energy to officially recognize the spirit and successes of the core skateboard retailers.
And since you asked... a core skateboard retailer is defined by IASC as a physical/ brick and mortar retailer whose product mix includes skateboarding specific items, including skate hard-goods, and which is a regional, privately owned entity. The store encapsulates the true spirit of skateboarding and consistently gives back to their local skate community..."
- from the IASC website, www.skateboardiasc.org
Here's my problem with all of this: The hypocrisy here is totally fucking astounding. Anybody with half a brain in their goddamned heads can see that. But, if you're one of those blind naysayers out there?! Then, here's all the proof that you'll ever need, right here:
http://www.zumiez.com/skate.html
Here's the problem, boys and girls: On one hand, IASC is professing some sort of "legitimate support" for the "physical/brick and mortar retailer... which is a regional, privately owned entity".
At the same time, the IASC brands are actually supporting the very sort of corporately-owned mall-chain store that is directly threatening the stores that they're claiming their "support" for, with this whole "Local Skateshop Day" bullshit.
So, IASC, you tell me: Which is it?! Are you sucking...? Or, blowing...?!
Editorial; December, 2009
Unlike the profit-pandering assholes at IASC, here at The Solitary Life, our position has always been absolutely consistent, uncompromising, and unwavering. For one, we have always said that Zumiez sucks ass. What's more: We have never... nor, will we ever... support Zumiez in any way, shape, or form. To be totally blunt, I secretly pray every night that every Zumiez on the face of the planet implodes in my sleep, and ceases to exist in the waking world. Nothing would make me personally happier, than to live on a Zumiez-free planet. Need proof? Check the link:
http://thesolitarylifeof.blogspot.com/2010/03/they-sell-clown-clothes-for-wannabes.html
"Agenda" article, The Solitary Life; December 6th, 2009
If you are going to put yourself into any sort of "leadership" position, or even seek one out... the very first requirement is to believe in your own rhetoric, and act consistently on it. Carry out the principles that you live by. Stand in your own bullshit. Because, if you can't...? Then you are clearly not fit to "lead" anybody, anywhere.
That pretty much sums up every problem that IASC has ever had, right there...
Ad for SoCal Skateshop, made by us, and for us. Mike Hirsch is an extremely good man, and SoCal is a killer local, brick-and-mortar skateshop (with a killer online shop as well). Mike treats us well, so we support him- consistently- in any way we can. We spend a lot of money at SoCal! And, we're happy to do it.
Everybody on our staff, supports the "core retailer". What's more: We put our money where our mouth is, as a media entity. The Solitary Life is beginning to work on a collab product/merch program. We have decided that all proceeds from all merch/collab sales will be going to fund local skateboard initiatives (skateparks, skate clubs, things like that), or to local core skateshops that are making a positive impact on their local scenes. The Solitary Life made that a requirement for our partner brands to do business with us, and that requirement is going to stand.
What's more: We are going to add the requirement that no Solitary Life merch will ever be available at a Zumiez. Ever. Most of our partners understand that, anyway. Obviously. But still, we can never be "too clear" on where we stand...!
The new "Be The Scene" initiative will not only be loaded heavily with pro-skateshop messages... but, all proceeds raised will be going straight to local scenes, and local shops that support and contribute to those scenes. Note that I didn't say "part of the proceeds", or "a portion of the proceeds". One-hundred-percent of our net will be going to these scenes. The Solitary Life does not want- nor, will we accept- even a single penny from our collab and merch sales.
We made that abundantly clear to our merchandising partners. They were stoked.
In light of this clear contrast in philosophies [and actions], I have decided that I'm going to call for a general boycott of any and all IASC-affiliated manufacturers and brands. The Solitary Life absolutely cannot condone- nor, can we support in any way- any business entity that displays such obvious duplicity in their words and deeds.
As the media, it is our job to point out to our readers when shit goes astray, and to promote ideas and actions that can, and will, put things back on track, and make them right. You can find a full listing of all IASC member companies here:
http://www.skateboardiasc.org/members/
But for your convenience, here's a partial list to get you started:
Abec 11.
Alien Workshop.
Bamboo Sk8
Black Box (Zero, Mystery, Slave, Fallen)
Blitz
Blueprint
Bones
Circa
Cliche
DC
DVS
Dwindle (Almost, Darkstar, Enjoi, Speed Demons, Tensor)
Element
G&S
Grind Kind
Hurley
Innes
Jart
Jessup
Lakai
Matix
NHS (Santa Cruz, Independent, Flip, Krux)
Nike
Nixon
Osiris
Photon Lightboards
Planet Earth
Poolside
Powell-Peralta
Rock On Distribution (Viking)
Satori
Sector 9
Sole Tech (Etnies, Emerica, eS, 32)
Tech Deck
Tum Yeto (Foundation, Toy Machine, Ruckus)
Vans
Volcom
Zoo York
We would encourage all of our media friends to follow our lead on this, and all of our readers to spread the word. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Get involved, stand your ground, and dare to make a difference.
While you're at it: Tell IASC what you think. We did! I personally sent them a link to this article, just so that they know why we're telling them to fuck off. Try it, it feels awesome!
http://www.skateboardiasc.org/contact/
