Anthony Wilson
Anthony’s retail and business career kicked off in 1989 as a wet behind-the-ears 22-year-old fresh out of an apprenticeship with BHP.
Today Anthony’s business encompasses fifteen retail surf, skate, and lifestyle stores across three unique retail banners in regional NSW and Tasmania, employing over 150 people.
Serving the surfing community of the NSW Mid-North Coast, “Saltwater Wine” was founded in 1975 by local surfboard shaper Bob Brown. Similarly for the Tasmanian surf community, “Red Herring” was founded in 1971 by surfer Bill Thwaites while Wilson and his team developed the Stormriders brand for regional NSW in 2010. Headquartered in Port Macquarie NSW, each retail banner is deeply ingrained locally.
Anthony is passionate about business being a vehicle for good within the community and environment.
“Our point of difference is the role we play within our communities, particularly in developing future generations through our Ambassadors, Junior Team and events we sponsor. We’re more than just somewhere to buy stuff. Our stores are a gateway to surf, skate and youth culture and are deeply connected within our communities.”
A self-professed retail and surf industry tragic, Anthony founded the Surf & Boardsports Industry Association in 2011 and continues to serve on its Board, while Wilson Retail Co is a three times Australian Retailers Association Independent Retailer of the Year and the 2021 National Retail Association Medium Retailer of the Year.
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-wilson-89738014/Position: Board member