A long-running Sunshine Coast surf retail brand has been revived.
Beach Beat has opened at Noosaville under new local ownership after the name was acquired following the closure of the previous operating business.
The new owners have also introduced a limited-time goodwill arrangement for eligible customers left with unused vouchers or credit notes.
The brand’s former operating company, Purple Corridor Pty Ltd, entered voluntary administration in June, with stores at Caloundra, Coolum and Alexandra Headland closing at the time.
There were hints of the name’s resurgence last week, when a profile picture was updated on the Beach Beat Facebook page, before an announcement was made on Monday.
“Yes, it’s true. Beach Beat is back – under brand new, local Sunshine Coast ownership,” a post stated.
“For around 40 years, Beach Beat has been part of the Coast’s surf story. Generations of locals have visited the stores, discovered their favourite brands and picked out boards and gear for their next adventure. We think a name with that much history deserves a new chapter.
“We also want to be clear about what’s changed. Following the closure of the former business, we purchased the Beach Beat name. We did not purchase or take over the former operating business, its stores or its stock.
“We are a new business with new owners and a fresh start.
“Our first new store is now open in Noosa, bringing together quality surfboards, iconic surf and lifestyle brands, fresh clothing and a shopping experience we’re proud to share.
“We have an amazing group of locals ready to help you get the right board every time.
“Our ambition is simple: keep Beach Beat locally owned, celebrate its Sunshine Coast roots and build something even better for the next generation.”
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The owners also addressed concerns from people affected by the closure of the old version of Beach Beat.
“Vouchers and credit notes issued by the former business are not obligations of the new operator.
“That said, we understand that some customers were left disappointed or out of pocket.
“Although we were not involved in the former business’s closure, we want to make a positive start and help where we reasonably can.
“We are therefore introducing a limited-time goodwill arrangement for eligible customers who still hold unused vouchers or credit notes from the former business.”
Beach Beat was founded in Caloundra by Al Hing and Kingsley Kernovske in 1986.
The business and became a prominent part of Sunshine Coast surf culture, sponsoring local competitions and surfers including former world champion Joel Parkinson, Julian Wilson, Josh Constable, Wade Goodall, Matt Clark and Kai Hing.
Beach Beat also manufactured surfboards at Maroochydore from 1987 to 2018 and attracted some of Australia’s most respected board shapers, including Bob McTavish, Wayne Deane and John Mills.
Mr Hing sold the business in 2021 after 35 years at the helm.
The opening of the new store was welcomed by many on social media, and several people wondered who the owners are.
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to Beach Beat for comments about the store and its owners.
