Quiksilver (NYSE: ZQK) designs and sells sportswear and equipment for young, outdoorsy costumers. Its Roxy and Quiksilver brands, which together account for almost 60% of revenue, sell casual apparel, wetsuits, and winter gear, while its popular DC brand targets young skateboarders. The company sells its products through its own company stores and through department and sports specialty stores. The company earned $2 billion in revenue but incurred a net loss of $192 million in 2009.^[1]

In a sluggish economy, retailers like Quiksilver suffer because consumers cut back on spending on discretionary items. Rather than spending money on full-priced brand name items, consumers can find the same items for lower prices at discount retailers like TJX Companies (TJX).

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