Volcom

Surf and skate apparel brand. Originally a Costa Mesa, California boardsports label.

Avoid

Founded: 1991
HQ: USA
Manufacturing: Various
Ownership type: Brand licensing (ABG-style)
Parent: Authentic Brands Group (via Boardriders acquisition)
Acquired: 2024

Ownership

Acquired by ABG in the $1.25B Boardriders portfolio purchase in 2024, alongside Quiksilver, Billabong, RVCA, Roxy, DC Shoes, and Element.

Why Avoid

ABG Boardriders portfolio. Licensing model follows.

Sister brands under Authentic Brands Group (via Boardriders acquisition)

Apparel · Shirts & Tops
Quiksilver
Status: Avoid
Apparel · Shirts & Tops
Billabong
Status: Avoid
Apparel · Shirts & Tops
RVCA
Status: Avoid

See all 6 sister brands

Apparel · Shirts & Tops
Roxy
Status: Avoid
Footwear · Sneakers
DC Shoes
Status: Avoid
Apparel · Shirts & Tops
Element
Status: Avoid

Read the full investigation

Investigation · April 17, 2026

Your Favorite Brands Got Worse On Purpose

Authentic Brands Group buys dead brands, strips the design and manufacturing, and licenses the name to anyone who'll pay. Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Sports Illustrated. Plus the ones still worth buying.

Read the full investigation