Varumärken och dess relation till snowboardkulturen

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study has been to analyze the relationship between commercial brands and a subculture, with a focus on a number of elements of success. These elements could be in the nature of sale stats as well as that of influence within the subculture. All of this within the context of the snowboard culture. In accossiation to this we have formulated a question of study: What marks brands which gains influence within a subculture in addittion to becoming an important factor in the self-expression process of the cultural members? In this study, we have practised a qualitative method based on six (6) independant interviews with participants, active within the snowboard culture as well as one outside marketing executive and one ethnological reseracher. From these interviews we have achieved a deeper knowledge for the role which brands play within the snowboard culture and industry. Through our analyzis we have identified the presence of five strong elements of success regarding brands with a clear subcultural connection. These are: autentic origin and operation, commitment and devotion to the focal activity, activ participation within the culture and prescense among its members, appropriate image associations and pleasing design to a reasonable price. It has been shown that these elements have an impact on both sale stats and influence within the culture due to the fact that sales and influence are strongly related. Furthermore, we have found that the brands which has gained a significant influence within a subculture in general shows tendencies of several of these elements. Said elements has also been described as a fundamental component do becoming an important part of the self-expression process of the members in addition to the ability of communicating the identity and personality of the brand. The core message has none the less been identified as that “giving back to the community” is the absolute most crucial element of them all.