It's a sad day for fans of iconic surf and skate wear. Three popular clothing brands, Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom, are permanently closing all of their U.S. stores in the coming weeks, according to new reports.
Millennials will remember how these brands grew cult-like followings for their sponsorships of legendary surfers, skateboarders, and snowboarders like Kelly Slater, Tony Hawk, and Jamie Lynn.
Their former operating company, Liberated Brands, has filed for bankruptcy, citing rising production costs, mounting competition from fast-fashion rivals, and economic uncertainty. However, while the brick-and-mortar locations may be shutting down, you may still get your hands on items from these beloved labels. Here's what you need to know about the store closures and details on where you can find them in the future.
RELATED:JCPenney Is Making a Comeback—Here's What You Need to Know
Why Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom Are Shutting Down
Over 100 Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom store locations across the country will be shuttered over the next few weeks.
In the chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, Liberated Brands' CEO Todd Hymel admitted that a "dramatic rise in interest rates, persistent inflation, and supply chain delays" put "significant pressure" on the company.
He also slammed fast-fashion companies for their cheap, quick, and low-quality items pushing out Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom's specialized processes in making surf and skate gear, which includes bathing suits, wetsuits, skate sneakers, loungewear, and more.
Liberated, which was founded by ex-Volcom executives in 2019, launched an aggressive expansion plan post-pandemic. It ballooned from 67 to 140 store locations for Billabong, Quiksilver, Volcom, and other brands, and took over all e-commerce efforts.
However, the company couldn't keep up in the current retail market.
“The Liberated team has worked tirelessly over the last year to propel these iconic brands forward, but a volatile global economy, consumer spending changes amid a rising cost of living, and inflationary pressures have all taken a heavy toll,” Liberated Brands said in a statement.
Its parent company, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), made the decision in December 2024 to pull all brand licensing from Liberated. ABG said in a statement to CNN that it was clear Liberated couldn't handle the pressure. "The stores were overinflated and burdened with outdated and underperforming locations."
RELATED: All the Macy's Locations Closing in 2025
Where You Can Find These Brands Going Forward
Shutterstock
Luckily for fans, not all is lost for Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom.
While physical locations may be closing up shop, they will still be serving customers until liquidation sales have been completed.
And, a bright exception is Hawaii. The tropical paradise is the perfect locale for these brands, which have 9 locations in the state—the fate of which is still being negotiated.
Better still, the brands themselves aren’t going away. ABG is shifting their licenses to other operators, meaning you will still be able to buy Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom products at specialty retailers, department stores, and online.
"We are encouraged that many of our talented associates have found new opportunities with other license holders that will carry these great brands into the future," Liberated Brands said.
Here's how you can keep shopping Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom:
- Check online. The brands will still be available through their websites and major e-commerce platforms.
- Look for specialty retailers. Local surf, skate, and outdoor stores will continue carrying their products.
- Shop department stores. Chains like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods may have select styles.
While this is good news, the retail market is still in a downward spiral as surprising store closures keep being announced in 2025.
As we've previously reported, Big Lots is closing locations in 47 states. Kohl's is shuttering 27 "underperforming" locations by April; Macy's is closing 66 stores early this year; and JOANN is closing at least six stores.
