ASB MAGAZINE: Absolute Board Co. will become the Arbor Skateboards new global partner from September 2nd 2017. Absolute Board Co told ASB they are excited about the partnership with Arbor Skateboards. “Arbor Skateboards is a fantastic addition to our portfolio and we look forward to continuing the development of the brand, globally into the future,” said Shane Kearney, GM Absolute Board Co. APAC. Absolute will manage production, sales, and all aspects of distribution globally. Arbor Collective will remain independent and in place to guide product development, design, and marketing from its headquarters in Venice, CA.
“I am impressed with Absolute’s vision for the future,” said Bob Carlson, The Arbor Collective’s Founder and CEO. “They have created an exciting plan for developing and distributing a house of brands, utilising the significant global infrastructure that was built for their current lineup. Arbor Skateboards is a great fit.”
Absolute will manage the distribution of Arbor Skateboards through its office/warehouse facilities in Australia, the UK, and the US. The company plans to continue using the Arbor Collective’s sales reps in the US and Canada, and is discussing with Arbor’s current international distributors where they might fit into a revamped distribution network.
Former Australian distributor Future Sports parted ways with Arbor about 15 months ago. “The (Arbor Collective) owners split the brand up about two years back and licenced it out to three different companies to run skate, snow and clothing,” Future Sports Managing Director Rodney Ball, told ASB.
Absolute’s CEO Frank Messmann said Arbor is an amazing addition to their line-up.
“Arbor does not compete with our other brands, and we can quickly improve distribution, delivery, and product availability; all while making Arbor more competitive around the globe.”
Arbor’s current partner, Bravo Sector 9 will continue to run the program through September 1st. This interim period provides Arbor and Absolute the time needed to make the transition as seamless as possible for Arbor dealers. Specifically, it gives Absolute time to communicate with accounts about the coming changes; and to build the necessary inventory for September/Holiday deliveries.
“I want to thank the Sector 9 family, past and present, for years of friendship and shared success,” said Bob Carlson. “We wish the current crew all the best, as you build what will be a great next chapter.”
