Nation,
Yesterday, I asked people to give me the storyline of the year. My focus was on the positive- The great tournaments, the great teams, the great players and the great plays that made the year one to remember.
Now a sad story might be the story of the year.
There are rumblings in the ultimate community about the death of GAIA. It is strongly rumored that their parent company is in receivership. It seems that the economy and the downturn the global market has endured has taken its toll on ultimate business. (Their website is "closed" and they thank the viewer for their patience... perhaps a very poorly worded final communication)
I discussed the state of GAIA previously. My take on their current state at that time was not pleasant. I've always wished them (and other ultimate companies) well, and found the rise and fall of GAIA particularly fascinating.
So, let's discuss what lead GAIA to this place in their history. When did they jump the shark? Will stories of ultimate business be a trend in 2009?
5 comments:
Hmmm, sucky... on the flip side, www.gaiacustom.CA is still very much operational...
Sorry to hear it. Not surprising though given the huge progress that other ultimate companies have made in terms. I guess this makes my stinky gaia bag a collectors item. We'll start the bidding at $2...
.. that was supposed to say "in terms of quality (sublimation etc) and offering deals on other gear (patagonia)."
Can't really say it's a suprise. "Economic downturn" aside, their competitors offer more for less, as Taylor mentioned.
Besides, my impression was they weren't the most efficient business years back... and that was when they were the only show in town
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