Billabong (clothing) facts for kids
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Textile |
| Founded | November 6, 1973 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia |
| Founder | Gordon Merchant |
| Headquarters | Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia |
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Key people
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David Tanner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
| Products | Boardshorts, wetsuits, t-shirts, shirts, backpacks |
| Revenue |  A$1.27 billion (2014) |
| A$25.7 million (2014) |
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Number of employees
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~6,000 (2011) |
| Parent | Quiksilver |
Billabong International Limited is an Australian company that makes clothes and accessories, especially for surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. It was started in 1973 by Gordon and Rena Merchant. The name "Billabong" comes from an Australian Aboriginal word for a "creek that runs only during the rainy season."
Billabong is known for its boardshorts and wetsuits. Over the years, the company grew and bought many other popular brands. In 2018, Billabong became part of Boardriders, Inc, which also owns the rival brand Quiksilver. Later, in 2023, Boardriders (including Billabong) was bought by another company called Authentic Brands Group.
Contents
History
How Billabong Started
Billabong began in 1973 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, in Australia. Gordon Merchant, the founder, started by designing and making board shorts right in his own home. He sold them to local surf shops. Surfers quickly noticed that his shorts were very strong and lasted a long time. This was because Gordon used a special triple-stitching technique.
Gordon knew that his company needed to grow. So, Billabong started to sponsor surfing contests. This helped more people learn about his products. By the 1980s, Billabong board shorts were popular all over Australia.
Growing Around the World
After becoming successful in Australia, Gordon decided to sell Billabong's products in other countries. By the late 1980s, Billabong board shorts were available in places like New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa. In the 1990s, the whole surf industry became much bigger, and Billabong grew along with it.
In 2000, the company became publicly traded on the Australian stock market. This meant people could buy shares in Billabong. This helped the company get money to grow even more and buy other companies.
Buying Other Brands
As Billabong grew, it started to buy other brands and stores. This helped the company sell its products in more ways, not just to other shops. The early 2000s were a very busy time for Billabong as it expanded.
- In 2001, Billabong bought Von Zipper, a brand that makes eyewear (like sunglasses).
- Also in 2001, they bought Element, a brand known for skateboarding clothes and gear.
- In 2004, Billabong bought the Kustom surf shoe brand.
- In 2005, they bought Nixon Inc., which makes watches and accessories for board sports.
- In 2007, Billabong acquired Xcel, a company that makes wetsuits.
- Later in 2007, they bought Tigerlily, a brand focused on clothes for girls. This was the first time Billabong bought a brand just for the 'girls' market.
Billabong kept buying companies in 2008.
- They bought Kirra Surf, a surf shop.
- They also bought Quiet Flight, a retail company in the United States that already had Billabong and Element stores. This added 14 new stores, mostly in Florida.
- In June 2008, Billabong bought Sector 9, a skateboard company.
- In August, they bought DaKine, which makes backpacks, bags, and other accessories for board sports.
Billabong continued to expand its stores. In 2008, they bought Two Seasons, a retail chain in the United Kingdom. In 2009, they bought Swell, an online store in the US that sold board-sports brands.
In 2010, Billabong signed a deal with the skateboard company Plan B. They also bought Becker Surf and Sport, an American surf retailer. In Canada, they bought West 49, a big action sports retailer. Later in 2010, Billabong bought the apparel brand RVCA. The founder of RVCA said that Billabong respected each brand's unique style. Billabong also bought Australian retail stores like Surf Dive ‘n' Ski and Jetty Surf.
Challenges and New Ownership
Around 2012, Billabong faced some financial difficulties. The company decided to make big changes, including closing some stores and reducing jobs. They also sold part of their Nixon watches brand to help reduce debt.
Several investment groups became interested in buying Billabong. After a long process, in 2014, some investment groups helped Billabong with its debt. This meant these groups gained a large ownership stake in the company.
Billabong worked hard to improve its business. In 2015, the company made a profit again, which was the first time since 2011.
In 2018, Billabong International Limited was bought by Boardriders, Inc, which owns other surf and skate brands like Quiksilver. This meant Billabong became part of a bigger family of brands. In 2023, Boardriders, Inc. (including Billabong) was acquired by Authentic Brands Group.
Awards
In 2009, Billabong was recognized as one of the "Q150 Icons" of Queensland, Australia. This award celebrated its role as an important "innovation and invention" from the region.
Teams
Billabong sponsors many athletes in different sports, especially surfing. These athletes act like ambassadors for the brand and the lifestyle it represents. Billabong sponsors hundreds of surfers around the world.
See also
- Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay
- Billabong Pipeline Masters
- Billabong Pro Teahupoo
- Billabong XXL
- Tribal Gear
Images for kids
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A Billabong brand baseball cap.
