Zumiez
Image:Zumiez, South Shore Plaza, Braintree MA.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Zumiez at South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Massachusetts
Zumiez Inc. is an American multinational specialty clothing store founded by Thomas Campion and Gary Haakenson in 1978, and publicly traded since 2005. The company is a specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories and hardgoods for young men and women. Zumiez markets clothing for action sports, particularly skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. Zumiez is based in Lynnwood, Washington.
The current president and CEO is Richard Brooks.
Originally named "Above the Belt" when the first store was opened at Northgate Mall in 1978, the company grew quickly through the early 1980s with the addition of stores at Everett Mall, Tacoma Mall, Alderwood Mall, and Bellevue Square. The mid and late 1980s brought new stores online outside of the Puget Sound area, and the corporate name changed to Zumiez. The corporate office moved from Everett to Lynnwood, Washington in 2012.
Stores
As of February 3, 2018, Zumiez operates 726 stores; 608 in the United States, 52 in Canada, 54 in Europe and 12 in Australia. Zumiez is a leading retailer for lifestyle brands, centering on action sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, and motocross.Couch Tour
For 13 years, Zumiez traveled to 12 "full stops" as part of its annual Couch Tour. Entertainment included live bands, professional skateboarding demos, and a competition featuring local amateurs. The stops usually took place at the mall where local Zumiez stores are located. Entry to the event was always free.As part of the Couch tour, since Zumiez doesn't sponsor riders themselves, they joined up with major players in the skate industry to offer an opportunity where amateur skaters can enter and compete. 2013 sponsors included Bones Bearings, Paramore, Beyonce, Adidas, Deathwish, DGK, Neff, Oakley, and Loser Machine providing the "trophies" for each stop of the contest's winners.