A few weeks ago it was announced that serious changes were taking place within global snowboard giant Burton. Among these changes, and perhaps the biggest was the cease of operations for what is known as The Program, which is a group of brands that includes Forum Snowboards, Special Blend and Four Square outerwear respectively. This was huge news as it meant not only the end of an era in terms of the snowboard landscape changing drastically, but also that the creative forces and minds behind these companies would no longer be contributing to the culture that we have all grown to love so dearly.

Another change that will take place, while it is on a much smaller scale, may have a very similar impact on the industry. Skate brands Analog and Gravis will be morphed into more economical machines as Analog will see their business shortened to only included snow focused product and Gravis will be limited to an Asia production and distribution model. What this means in the short term is nothing, as the brands have been promised to see continued operation through next Spring, but after that it is all over for the skate and surf magnates as we currently know them.

Karmaloop, who is an online retailer of all things lifestyle has had a long standing relationship with the two brands, as have your friends here at Spareparts and along the way we have developed some pretty special memories of what the two unique manufacturers have brought to the scene. The way they look at things is simply different in the sense that they are completely organic and original in their way of thinking and one of the major reasons why they have been so successful on a creative level is that they never seem to force anything. Which when it comes to creating a solid bottom line could have ultimately helped in their demise.

For this though, they also deserve to be commended, as they have helped show our industry that it is possible to create and build a brand that is known and loved, while at the same time sticking to a set of ideals, no matter what might come your way as a result. So as we watch this video and bid fair well to one of the coolest things to ever come out of the Burton Snowboards camp, let's remember that while these brands may be leaving the scene on a tangible level, their contributions will help push the industry forward for years to come.

Don't forget that while they are still around their presence can be seen with strength on the shelves of Spareparts stores, so get in now and grab some of your favorites from Analog while you. They make some of the best t-shirts in the game, and their quality accessories will certainly be missed. If you'd like to check out the full line from where you are, you can do so easily at www.sparepartslife.com.

Behind the Brand [ANALOG]