What Globe International does

Globe International Limited (ASX: GLB, ABN 65007066033) is a Melbourne-headquartered, publicly listed producer and distributor of apparel, footwear, and skateboard hardgoods, operating a multi-brand portfolio that spans boardsports, workwear, surf lifestyle, and roller skating. Founded in 1985 by the Hill brothers (Stephen, Peter, and Matt) as Hardcore Enterprises, the company was reorganized under the Globe International name ahead of its May 2001 ASX listing, and now sells its products in more than 65 countries through wholesale distribution, brand-specific e-commerce sites (globebrand.com, salty-crew.com, fxdworkwear.com, impalarollerskates.com, xdmgworkwear.com.au), and a network of flagship retail stores in boardsports destinations such as Hermosa Beach, Hong Kong, St Kilda, Burleigh Heads, Bondi, Canggu, and Hossegor.

The proprietary brand portfolio comprises Globe (core footwear, apparel and skate hardgoods), Salty Crew (surf/fish/dive/sail apparel, acquired 2017), FXD Workwear (technical apparel and Nitrolite work boots, launched 2012), Impala Skate (roller skates and skateboards, launched 2017, featured in the 2023 Barbie film), x/dmg (trade workwear, launched 2023), and Hardcore Distribution (Australasia's largest skateboard brand distributor carrying 20+ third-party labels). Skate hardgoods are designed in Los Angeles and Melbourne and manufactured at the wholly owned DSM Factory in Shenzhen, China, which is audited to Sedex SMETA standards; leather is sourced 100% from LWG Gold certified suppliers. The business generates revenue across four streams — wholesale of proprietary brands, third-party brand distribution via Hardcore, direct-to-consumer retail and e-commerce, and licensing/distribution of streetwear labels (Obey, Stüssy Australasia, XLARGE) through the 4Front division — and is structured into six business divisions operating across Australasia, North America (HQ Carson, CA, plus Newport Beach), Europe (Hossegor, France), South America, and South Africa.

Name

Globe International

Legal name

Globe International Limited

Website

https://globecorporate.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Globe International (ASX: GLB) is a Melbourne-based producer and distributor of boardsports apparel, footwear, and skate hardgoods, operating proprietary brands (Globe, Salty Crew, FXD Workwear, Impala Skate, x/dmg) plus Hardcore Distribution in 65+ countries worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Boardsports Apparel, Footwear and Skate Hardgoods

NAICS

Footwear Manufacturing (3162), Shoe Retailers (45821), Sporting Goods Retailers (45911), Footwear Merchant Wholesalers (424340)

SIC

Retail-Shoe Stores (5661), Footwear, (No Rubber) (3140), Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)

akta.pro primary industry

Outdoor Travel Gear (Duffels, Packs, Dry Bags) Retail (CRAMAAAI)

Keywords

• Skateboard footwear apparel
• Boardsports hardgoods manufacturing
• Skateboard brand distribution
• Technical workwear apparel
• Streetwear licensed brands

Headquarters

HQ city

Port Melbourne

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Distribution of Proprietary Brands: Globe International designs and manufactures high-end products across three categories (apparel, footwear, and skate hardgoods) under its proprietary brands (Globe, Salty Crew, FXD, Impala Skate, X/DMG) and sells them through a global wholesale network to skate shops, sporting goods retailers, department stores, and independent retailers across 65+ countries.
2. Third-Party Brand Distribution: Hardcore Distribution (part of Globe International) distributes over 20 leading skateboard brands (Girl, Chocolate, Thrasher, Royal, Lakai, Studio, Zero, Evisen, Jacuzzi Unlimited, Push, Slappy, Pro-Tec, Stance, XLarge, S/Double, Szade, Ritual Vision) across Australasia and other regions. This includes both proprietary and licensed third-party labels.
3. Direct-to-Consumer Retail: Globe operates flagship retail stores in strategic locations (Hermosa Beach/LA, Hong Kong, St Kilda/Melbourne, Burleigh Heads, Bondi, Canggu/Bali, Hossegor/France) and sells through brand-specific e-commerce websites, capturing full retail margin.
4. Licensed and Distributed Brands: Globe manages licensed streetwear brands (Obey via the 4Front division, Stüssy via the Australasian licence within 4Front) alongside proprietary and distributed brands, generating licensing and distribution revenues.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Globe International designs and manufactures purpose-built apparel, footwear, and skateboard hardgoods (decks, wheels, trucks, cruisers, longboards) across a portfolio of proprietary brands (Globe, Salty Crew, FXD Workwear, Impala Skate, x/dmg), and distributes 20+ leading third-party skateboard and streetwear brands (Girl, Chocolate, Thrasher, XLARGE, Stance, Pro-Tec) through Hardcore Distribution. Products are sold in more than 65 countries via wholesale, retail stores, brand-specific e-commerce sites, and licensed streetwear (Obey, Stüssy/S/DOUBLE).

Product overview

Globe International is a global producer and distributor of boardsports and workwear products, operating under a multi-branded portfolio approach encompassing both proprietary and licensed brands. The company designs and manufactures high-end products across three core categories: apparel, footwear, and skate hardgoods. The proprietary brand portfolio includes Globe (core boardsports brand with footwear and hardgoods), Salty Crew (surf/fishing/diving apparel), FXD Workwear (workwear apparel and boots), Impala Skate (roller skates and skateboards), x/dmg (workwear), and Hardcore Distribution (skateboard brand distribution). Third-party licensed brands include XLARGE, S/DOUBLE, Stance, Szade, Ritual Vision, and Pro-Tec. Products are sold in more than 65 countries worldwide through operations in Australasia, North America, South America, and Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Globe: Global boardsports brand with footwear, apparel and hardgoods for skaters, surfers and snowboarders
• Salty Crew
• FXD Workwear
• Impala Skate
• X/DMG
• Hardcore Distribution
• 4Front
• XLARGE
• S/DOUBLE
• Stance
• SZADE
• Ritual Vision
• Pro-Tec
• It's Now Cool

Products and services

• Globe Brand Core boardsports brand offering skate footwear, apparel, and hardgoods (decks, wheels, trucks, cruisers, longboards) for skaters, surfers, and snowboarders; sold globally through wholesale, retail stores, and e-commerce.
• Salty Crew Surf, fishing, diving, and sail apparel brand targeting watermen and waterwomen with rugged, authentic, workwear-inspired clothing; sold across North America, Australasia, and Europe.
• FXD Workwear Function by Design workwear brand offering purpose-built technical apparel (work shorts, work pants) and lightweight Nitrolite work boots for trade workers and apprentices, primarily in Australia with growing North American and European presence.
• Impala Skate Roller skates, inline skates, and skateboards brand offering retro-inspired products to revive 70s, 80s, and 90s skate culture; driven by a team of women passionate about skating; sold globally through brand e-commerce and retail.
• x/dmg (X/DMG) Workwear Workwear apparel brand for the Australasian market offering work shorts, work pants, and related garments at trade pricing for B2B and retail channels.
• Hardcore Distribution Australasia's largest wholesale distributor of more than 20 leading skateboard brands (Girl, Chocolate, Thrasher, Royal, Lakai, Zero, Evisen, Jacuzzi Unlimited, Push, Slappy, Pro-Tec) plus apparel and accessories; supplies skate shops, sporting goods retailers, and department stores across Australasia, North America, South America, Europe, and South Africa.
• XLARGE Brand Distribution Los Angeles streetwear pioneer brand (founded 1991) known for its gorilla logo, distributed by Globe; offers apparel and accessories inspired by workwear, vintage, skateboarding, and music influences.
• S/DOUBLE Brand Distribution
• Stance Brand Distribution
• Szade Sunglasses
• Ritual Vision Sunglasses Sunglasses brand bringing high-quality, recycled, affordable eyewear to surf and youth markets, with a focus on sustainability, function, and surf culture innovation.
• Pro-Tec Protective Gear
• dot Electric Skateboard Electric skateboard product line introduced in 2019 after six years of R&D; combines Globe's skate hardgoods heritage with electric mobility technology.
• Obey Streetwear Licensing Licensed distribution of the Obey streetwear brand in Australasia through Globe's 4Front apparel division, generating licensing and distribution revenues.
• Stüssy Australasian Licensing Australasian license for the Stüssy streetwear brand, operated through Globe's 4Front apparel division and generating licensing and distribution revenues.
• It's Now Cool Swimwear Bondi-born swimwear brand (founded 2017) acquired by Globe International in 2022 to grow markets in North America and Europe; offers swimwear targeted at the Australian coastal lifestyle.
• Globe Flagship Retail Stores Flagship retail stores operated in strategic boardsports/surf locations (Hermosa Beach/LA, Sheung Wan/Hong Kong, Acland Street/St Kilda/Melbourne, Burleigh Heads, Bondi, Canggu/Bali, and Hossegor/France) capturing full retail margin and brand experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• Australasia's largest skateboard brand distributor — over 20 leading brands distributed.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Leather Working Group (LWG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Globe joined the Leather Working Group in 2022, a global multistakeholder organization dedicated to driving excellence in the leather industry and minimizing the environmental impact of leather production. Globe achieved its goal of purchasing 100% of its leather from LWG Gold certified suppliers and maintains this standard annually.
• National Forest Foundation (NFF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Since 2018, Globe International has partnered with the National Forest Foundation to donate to their tree planting program. NFF is an American non-profit that partners with the US Forest Service to restore forests damaged by wildfire, drought, and pests. Globe's annual donations have effectively planted over three times the amount of trees harvested yearly in skateboard production, offsetting the timber used in premium skateboard manufacturing.
• Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe is a member of APCO and prioritizes circular design and the use of recycled materials for packaging and swing tags in production. Globe's Annual Report and Action Plan are filed with APCO.
• SEDEXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe International is a member of SEDEX, a global ethical trade member platform that allows businesses to manage risk, meet compliance, and provide transparency across supply chains. Any new major suppliers are required to join SEDEX as a prerequisite of working with Globe. Globe's Shenzhen manufacturing facility was audited via Sedex SMETA audit in May 2020.
• B-cycleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe is an accredited importer and member of B-cycle, Australia's official battery stewardship scheme, encouraging responsible recycling of batteries used in facilities and products.
• Who Gives A CrapminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe sources sustainable toilet paper and tissues from Who Gives A Crap as part of its environmentally conscious office practices.
• ThankyouminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe sources sustainable soap products from Thankyou as part of its environmentally conscious office practices.
• RegroundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe recycles coffee grounds from its Melbourne offices and neighboring cafes with Reground, along with other organic waste to an onsite worm farm. Globe also recycles soft plastics onsite through its partnership with Reground.
• UPPARELminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe's onsite generated textile waste and garments returned through wear-testing programs are recycled by UPPAREL, Australasia's leader in textile recovery and recycling.
• Tread LightlyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe is a foundation member of the national footwear recycling scheme Tread Lightly, run by the Australian Sporting Goods Association in collaboration with other industry partners. The scheme encourages Australians to recycle footwear and avoid sending old shoes to landfill.
• Inclusion Foundation Impact 21minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe joined the Inclusion Foundation's Impact 21 employment program at its Melbourne headquarters. Impact 21 is an employer-led program that aims to provide sustainable and open employment for young adults living with Down syndrome, reflecting Globe's commitment to an all-inclusive workplace.
• Timor SkateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe International brands actively assist and donate to Timor Skate, a charitable group connected to the skateboard industry.
• She Shreads AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe brands actively assist and donate to She Shreads Australia, a charitable group connected to the skateboard industry supporting women in skating.
• Gnarly NeighboursminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe brands actively assist and donate to Gnarly Neighbours, a charitable group connected to the skateboard industry.
• CitySwitchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobe's Australian operations joined the CitySwitch energy efficiency program in 2017 as part of setting formal environmental targets for the headquarters.
• Eames OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2021, Globe began collaborations with the Eames Office, starting with a unique collection of eucalyptus skateboards featured in the 'Eames Office: 80 Years of Design' Exhibition at Isetan in Tokyo, blending design heritage with boardsports culture.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• HUF Worldwide: HUF Worldwide is a skate and streetwear brand identified as a competitor in the global skateboard footwear and apparel market. Like Globe it blends skate heritage with streetwear fashion, and sells through skate-shop and streetwear retail channels.

Direct peers

• Vans (VF Corporation): Vans is the global leader in skate footwear and apparel, identified by third-party research as a major direct competitor of Globe. Both brands sell skate-specific shoes, apparel and accessories through skate shops and sporting goods retailers worldwide, with Vans serving as the dominant incumbent Globe competes against.
• DC Shoes: DC Shoes is a long-established skate footwear and apparel brand founded in 1994, directly comparable to Globe in terms of product offering, target customer (skateboarders) and retail distribution through skate shops. Both brands emphasise purpose-built skate shoes and pro-athlete endorsements.
• Element Skateboards: Element is a globally distributed skateboard hardgoods and apparel brand directly comparable to Globe's skateboards and boardsports apparel business. Both brands design and sell skateboards, footwear and apparel through the same wholesale skate-shop channels.
• Quiksilver: Quiksilver is a global surf apparel and hardgoods brand comparable to Globe's Salty Crew and core surf/skate apparel lines. Both brands target boardsports (primarily surf) consumers with apparel, footwear and accessories sold through specialty and sporting-goods retail channels worldwide.
• Plan B Skateboards: Plan B is a leading skateboard deck and apparel brand directly comparable to Globe's skate hardgoods manufacturing and distribution business. Both brands produce premium skateboards and sell them through skate shops globally, often with shared pro-team riders.
• Etnies: Etnies is one of the original action-sports footwear brands, comparable to Globe in its focus on skate-specific shoes for core skateboarders. Both brands emphasise rider-led product development and sell through similar skate-shop and specialty retail channels globally.
• Volcom: Volcom is a surf and skate apparel and footwear brand identified as a major competitor to Globe in the global skateboard apparel market. Both brands target boardsports (skate and surf) consumers with apparel and footwear and sell through similar wholesale and DTC channels.

Broad incumbents

• Nike SB: Nike SB is Nike's dedicated skateboarding footwear and apparel line. It competes with Globe in skate-specific footwear at the same skate-shop and sporting-goods retail channels, and brings Nike's significantly larger marketing budget, athlete roster and global distribution to the same end consumer.
• Adidas Skateboarding: Adidas Skateboarding is the skate-focused division of Adidas, directly competing with Globe in skate footwear and apparel. As a global incumbent with a much larger marketing and distribution footprint, it is a key competitor for shelf space and consumer mindshare in the same skate-shop and sporting-goods channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/6374995

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Globe International