What a Billabong? The word "Billabong" sounds very stupid - it sounds like a nonsense word that a child can catch up. However, it is a real word, and it has several meanings. The word "Billabong" is a native Australian English. It is a word that refers to a small oxbow lake, a type of lake that is next to a river. A billabong was originally part of the river, but because of the river to change course, has been cut. This leaves the class without a connection to the moving water, turning it into a lake. Billabongs appeared in a number of different pieces of Australian literature and other works. One of the most famous uses of the word in the popular song "Waltzing Matilda".
However, many people have heard the word as a brand Billabong. Billabong is a public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. They are primarily a clothing brand, although they have bought a number of other companies that manufacture other products. The company has been public since August 2000, although it was founded in 1973. The company was directed by Rena and Gordon Merchant, the founders, who started Billabong Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Today, Billabong is headquartered in Burleigh Heads, Queensland.
Billabong has a number of companies. They include the following elements, which operate under their own brand:
Watches Nixon , who was acquired in January 2006. They sell high quality watches, clothing and other products. Von Zipper, a company that specializes in eyeglasses and sunglasses. These products are mainly for the surfing industry. Von Zipper Billabong has been added to holdings in 2001. Kustom footwear was added in 2004.
Similarly, Palmers Surf was acquired in 2004. They create many different products related to the surf industry, including equipment and surfboard wax. In July 2002, Billabong bought Element. Element is one of the first companies in the apparel market skateboarding.
In June 2008, Billabong has added chain Quiet Flight Surf Shop in their list of holdings. The same month, they also bought DaKine, a company that manufactures luggage, backpacks, and accessories for extreme sports. They also added the manufacturer of Sector 9 skateboard to their holdings in June 2008.
In September 2007, Billabong bought Xcel. Xcel is one of the top U.S. manufacturers of suits and accessories for water sports. In fact, they produce diving equipment for military use in addition to their recreational products.
In 2008, merged with Billabong Surf Apparel Warehouse and dubii, adding to their holdings and make them even more of a conglomerate. With so many different products they produce children and their societies, it is not surprising that Billabong is almost never used to refer to a small lake outside of Australia. Even then, the word is increasingly synonymous with the company and not with the body of water.
Posted on June 8, 2010.