Four days ago, news broke that Firewire surfboards was slashing prices by 20% on all surfboards until the end of November. The move, while thrilling budget-conscious shoppers, roiled a domestic surfboard building industry already reeling due an economic slowdown. Firewire, as written at the time, produces its surfboards in Thailand and has built-in advantages in terms of labor costs etc.
U.S.-based shapers have grumblingly accepted that business is business but then a wild sale, tipping even more advantage Firewire’s way. A dumping of merchandise that might have been overloaded onto cargo ships forced to float offshore for many extra months.
Is it rude?
Smart?
Well, adding insult to injury, Kelly Slater dropped his hefty boot onto the heads of local craftsmen with a post doubling down on the sale. Now, of course Slater Designs are part of the Firewire offering, as the greatest surfer ever owns 70% of the company, but was it necessary to crow about the move?
To call it a “surprise” and adding gift emoji and a party popper emoji seems like much salt in the wound.
The gift emoji and party popper emoji, as you know, are generally reserved for the most important celebratory occasions. Not the wanton pursuit of cut-throat capitalism.
Does the move, anyhow, inspire you to buy a Cymatic at a reduced price or will you Pyzel in protest?
More as the story develops.
The post Greatest surfer ever Kelly Slater curb stomps domestic board builders already writhing on ground; uses hurtful emojis to announce “surprise” 20% off ALL Slater Designs shapes until end of month! appeared first on BeachGrit.
