NEW YORK — Shares of apparel maker Volcom Inc. fell on Friday, after an analyst said the outdoor sports apparel sector is weak and downgraded the stock.

Shares tumbled $1.05, or 7.2 percent, to $13.50 during midday trading. The stock has traded between $6.39 and $28.88 during the past 52 weeks.

Last month, Volcom said its first-quarter profit fell but beat expectations. But Robert W. Baird analyst Mitch Kummetz said in a client note Friday that Volcom’s results are not only being challenged by the weak retail environment in general, but specifically the weak surf/skate/snow sector. Volcom sells skating- and surfing-style clothing and accessories.

“Upon reported first-quarter results, Volcom commented that it is starting to see signs of a positive shift in the landscape,” Kummetz wrote. “But since then, evidence is beginning to mount to the contrary, including comments from key customers, close competitors, and consensus from the overall core surf/skate/snow market.”

Although Kummetz said Volcom is the strongest apparel brand in its core market, he cut his rating and lowered his price target to $15 from $16.

The moves “reflect our opinion that the environment will remain more difficult over the near term than we had previously anticipated and do not reflect any deterioration of the Volcom brand,” he noted.

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Vieux Boucau Surf Club hosts a huge beach clean up

The first European Beach clean Up happened on Saturday May 23rd in Vieux Boucau with the help of Vieux Boucau Surf Club. As the sun rarely comes out theses last few weeks (Landes coast), it was a good surprise and a huge motivation for people actively involved.

And people who came for the event really needed motivation, because the day before, mother nature brought tons of wreck and all kind of trash!!!!

Kids are obviously as usual the more motivated and involved but as the time goes, parents and event people who mainly came to lay down on the beach started to help because it’s not really funny to lay down between fishing nets and plastic bottles!!!! A V.co-Logical pack (contains 2 pairs of gloves, trash bag, an awareness poster and many stickers) was given to each participant.

After 2 hours of collect, almost 80 trash bags were filled up and a lot of others big stuff couldn’t fit in bags. Snacks and all kind of goodies were given to thank people who helped during this beautiful day, and many gifts were, as usual, thrown away.

The day ended by a big BBQ offered by Volcom and Vieux Boucau Surf Club to people who came and stayed despite a big storm in afternoon (Landes Tradition!) Many thanks to VIEUX BOUCAU SURF CLUB and WISHBONE SURF SHOP

V.Co-Logical: V.Co-Logical represents Volcom’s socially responsible movement towards sustainability. Through eco-friendly products (V.Co-Logical series) or through the initiatives for a better environment, on both social and ecological sides, Volcom encourages change to improve the quality of our lives. The promotion of awareness inside and outside the company concerning recycling, carpooling, biking and/or skating instead of driving… is one the main goals.

V.Co-Logical in Europe also supports Surfrider Foundation Europe – a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to preserving the world’s surf spots and their surrounding environment, beaches and oceans – with the 1% for the Planet Donations (coming from our V.Co-Logical product line).

Lately V.Co-Logical in Europe did an educational part on the beach clean up, because we think that it is important for the future generations to be aware of the environmental issue.

www.volcomeurope.com

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Join Gavin “The Alien” Beschen and recycle your old boardies! They’ll make someone’s day who may be less fortunate than you…and you can win some cool Volcom gear. A real win/win deal!
Volcom V.Co-Logical Series presents: “Recycle Your Old Boardshorts For a Good Cause”. All you need to do is drop off any old boardshorts into the bin at any participating shop to be donated to a local charity. You will be entered to win the grand prize of being V.Co-Logically outfitted for a year!

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