Volcom Inc. in Costa Mesa has turned to the singer of indie rock band Grouplove to design its latest women’s collection.
The pieces, ranging from denim jackets to matching crop tops and leggings, showcase the musician’s artwork.
“What made this collaboration special was that Hannah Hooper shared her favorite pieces from the road and together we drew inspiration for what would become Lady Grouplove for Volcom,” Volcom Global Design Director Kristy Michaels said in a statement.
Hooper will also perform at the recently renovated Tilly’s Inc. flagship store at the Irvine Spectrum on June 28. Tilly’s carries action-sports apparel brands, including from Volcom and Vans Inc.
“I really feel like we made something that I can identify with and, most important, a line I can wear,” she said in a statement.
Volcom is part of Paris-based Kering, along with Electric Visuals in San Clemente, its sister company.
Mobile Calls With That Big Gulp
Next time you’re at a 7-Eleven to pick up a Big Gulp or a bag of chips, SIM cards from Ultra Mobile will also be sitting on the convenience store’s shelves.
The Costa Mesa-based mobile virtual network operator reached a distribution agreement to supply more than 6,000 7-Eleven Inc. convenience stores with its prepaid wireless service plan sold via SIM cards that can be inserted into unlocked mobile phones. The $29 monthly plan provides unlimited international talk and text to about 40 countries.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with a company that shares our vision of offering consumers convenience, affordability and plans tailored to meet their needs in prepaid mobile services,” Chris Furlong, Ultra Mobile’s executive vice president of product and marketing, said in a statement. “7-Eleven’s aim to provide a portfolio of wireless services that appeal to an important segment of their shoppers—immigrants to the U.S.—aligns perfectly with Ultra Mobile’s strategic focus.”
Cool Wheels
Kelley Blue Book Co.’s latest 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 list features vehicles from two Orange County-based automakers.
The 2015 Soul, a hatchback from Irvine-based Kia Motors America Inc., made the cut, as did the sporty Mazda3 from Mazda North American Operations, also in Irvine.
Reviewers from the Irvine-based auto information provider described Soul’s “distinctive design” as a big part of its appeal, but its “general likability and up-for-anything versatility” earned it the No. 3 spot on the list, according to KBB.com. The Mazda3, No. 1, is “fun to drive, gorgeous and tech-savvy” and “remains the king of affordable cool cars,” reviewers wrote.
The Soul debuted in 2009 and has been “an out-of-the-park homerun for Kia,” according to the automaker’s vice president of marketing communications, Tim Chaney.
The hatchback is the brand’s second best-selling vehicle after the Kia Optima sedan.
The Mazda3 has been featured on Kelley Blue Book’s annual list of cool cars since it hit the market in 2003. It’s been the automaker’s most popular model so far this year.
Bits & Pieces
Matt Raminick joined Volcom Inc. in Costa Mesa as global director of digital marketing for e-commerce. He left Tustin-based smartphone case maker Mophie, where he served as digital marketing manager. … Linda Martin was promoted to managing director of Porter Novelli’s Southern California region. In her previous role, she served as managing director of the public relations agency’s Irvine and San Diego offices. … Grupo Gallegos in Huntington Beach launched the “Milk & Art Contest” for the California Milk Processor Board in San Clemente. The Facebook-based contest calls on moms and kids to submit original pieces of art created from milk containers for a chance to win up to $2,000 for a college fund. … Mission Viejo-based MarkeTeam Inc., a marketing agency that specializes in the food, beverage and hospitality industries, hired Donna Ruch as manager of premier accounts. … The Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa named Trine Ackelman director of sales and marketing. She served in a similar role at the St. Regis New York. … Starwood Hotels & Resorts Inc. appointed Chris White director of sales and marketing for Southern California to oversee all sales, marketing and public relations strategy for the W San Diego, St. Regis Monarch Beach, the Westin Gaslamp Quarter, the Westin Mission Hills, the U.S. Grant Hotel, the Westin South Coast Plaza and Sheraton San Diego.
