Surf economy sours
Sales associate Chad Markowitz carries a stack of shirts at Huntington Surf & Sport. With surfers cutting back on new surfboards, wetsuits and board shorts, executives and workers at surf goods stores are holding their breath. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Sales associate Art Frederick stacks shirts and caps at Huntington Surf & Sport. Store owner Aaron Pai says, “Theres one word on my mind right now: uncertainty. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Customers sort through sale items at Huntington Surf & Sport. When you have less money, you get cheaper things, one veteran surfer says. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Natasha Brems of Pasadena shops for a T-shirt for her husband at Huntington Surf & Sport. The surfing industry has been especially hard hit because its core customers tend to live in areas most affected by the mortgage meltdown, one CEO says. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
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A plaque in the floor welcomes customers to Huntington Surf & Sport. The surfing industry grew from $6.5 billion in 2004 to $7.5 billion in 2006, the most recent year for which data are available. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
