Japanese-Australian Surf Brand 'Banks Journal' Closes Its Doors For Good - Stab Mag

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Japanese-Australian Surf Brand ‘Banks Journal’ Closes Its Doors For Good

On Friday the 13th, no less.

news // Oct 14, 2023
Words by Holden Trnka
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The winds of change continue to howl.

While the WSL searches for a new CEO, Authentic Brands Group decides what to do with their newly purchased surf conglomerate, and the end of many a professional surf contract looms.

This Friday, the 13th of October, marked more change — with Banks Journal announcing that they were officially closing their doors.

Per Rama McGabe via the Banks Journal Instagram:

“I’m writing to everyone who has lovingly supported Banks Journal since we embarked on this journey back in 2014. We started this project to merge style and function with a sustainable approach to design and development. We were fortunate to have a unique perspective on coastal living, inspired by our Japanese and Australian heritage.

We’ve come a long way from our original office in Bondi Beach, Australia, and we wouldn’t have had this opportunity without each and every one of you. From the incredibly talented individuals we’ve had the pleasure of working alongside, to the retailers who always believed in us no matter what, our factories that went above and beyond to provide us with beautifully made products. Last but not least, to all the people who have one of our products hanging in their closet, you’re the friends, family, and supporters who have turned the dream of creating Banks Journal into a reality.

On Friday, October 13th, we will close our doors for the last time and bid farewell to all of you. Our hope is that you will continue to support our incredible retail partners until the last Banks Journal products have left their shelves, and that you will find an everyday journey with our brand in your life.”

The brand, started in 2014 by Rama McGabe, Masa Shibahara, Motoo Noda, and Tim Cochran won our 2021 Best Boardshorts — and we’re terribly sad to see them go.

Deeper dive coming soon.

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