Here at Norte, we've just come off a summer break which was equal parts 'rancho relaxo' and equal parts hectic. And we loved every minute of it!! Amidst the bbq's, daily swims, surfs, skates and long drives all over the joint, January is also one our most active periods. We're looking after folks that need summer gear, rashies, tees and sun hats whilst behind the scenes we've been putting the final touches on some BIG!... did we mention BIG! plans for the year ahead. Stay tuned for more on that soon!

After another lap around the sun, we've been pondering the year that was. It's always been super important to us to keep ya'll informed of what's happening behind the scenes, because after all, we're here for you and your adventures. We're a part of your community and at the centre of everything we do, is our deep love and gratitude for People, Places and Planet, and what we can do to help Leave It Better. 2018 was a monster (the awesome kind of monster) for us and the best part is that every single success we've had, has been a joint effort of so many amazing people. Our ever growing loyal, spirited and incredible customers and the huge tribe of helpers, adventurers and down right legends that make up the broader team at Norte.

We hope that you enjoyed being a part of the year that was 2018 with us, sharing in, and contributing to our epic adventure. The authenticity and the impact of Norte is only possible because of the spirit of adventure in each of you. We're proud to be your go-to destination for your outdoor gear and all round good vibes.

So kick back in your favourite easy-chair, pop a nice cold bevvie and enjoy, our 10 BIG EPIC moments of 2018.

1. 11,357 TREES - Launching our partnership with Trees for the Future was EPIC, it cements sustainability and giving at the core of our business and your purchases, and helps us raise important awareness of the impact that trees really can have. In addition to the positive environmental impacts, this incredible program directly helps to alleviate poverty. We planted 11,357 trees helping to create sustainable food, farming and employment opportunities. You can track our ongoing progress here on our sponsor page and read up on the huge impact this program makes.

2. AN EPIC LAUNCH - With our product range growing, we brought you a cracking new line of kids jacket, with the epic designs and features now synonymous with Norte Jackets AND we launched the first ever Norte women's line. Selling out multiple releases in just hours and further cementing our position as Australia's emerging go-to jacket company.

3. JACKET DONATION PROGRAM - We continued our jacket donation program with Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centres, providing warm new jackets for families arriving in emergency accommodation.

4. JACKET DESIGNS THAT 'LEAVE IT BETTER' - We pushed ourselves even further in product design and innovation, adding high quality weather resistant and even more comfortable and practical features to your gear. Maintaining our 'cruelty free' stance, we saw the addition of recycled plastics to our jacket linings, creating superior warmth, comfort and increasing the sustainability factor of your jacket.

5. PLASTIC FREE - We overhauled our packaging and shipping, eliminating all single use plastics from deliveries and replaced them with recycled and recyclable materials, even the sticky tape is biodegradable folks! Your feedback on this important initiative gave us all kinds of good vibes, thanks for loving our planet too!

6. CARBON NEUTRAL - We went through the process of making Norte a carbon neutral business. This involved auditing and calculating the emissions created from each aspect of our business, reducing and eliminating as many of those as possible and offsetting the remainder through tree planting.

7. AWARDS - We were recognised with multiple industry awards and were blown away by the excitement and support of Norte from the broader business community. So much gratitude and excitement when our name was called out for:

• Retailer of the Year - Federation Business School / Gippsland Business Awards

• Environment and Sustainability Award - Bass Coast Business Awards

• Business Excellence Award (Finalist and Runner Up) - Bass Coast Business Awards

• Marketing and Promotion Awards (Finalist and Runner Up) - Bass Coast Business Awards

8. AMAZING WOMEN - AMAZAING COLLABS - We worked with some incredible Australian talent including actress Kate Jenkinson, AFLW superstars Steph Chiocci and Chloe Molloy and swimming champ Shayna Jack, Victorian artist Ge Warburton and our amazing tribe of adventurers in spectacular locations across the globe.

9. GIVING - We supported some of our favourite charities in UN Women Australia and Save the Children, through both financial donations and promoting awareness of their causes and areas of priority. We continued our support of numerous local, community schools and sporting clubs and fundraisers through the donation of Norte gear for sale or auction. We love love love supporting local fundraising efforts and we take great pride in the opportunity you've given us to be a part of your communities.

10. THE ADVENTURE - AND THE BIG ONE.... the one that gets us going over all else. The memories we created in the mountains, the surf, on the road, amidst the trees, seeing the best of what our glorious country and beyond has to offer. Capturing those moments and sharing them with our tribe, meeting the most generous, talented people and sharing our adventures with them. People, Places and Planet are just 3 words, but they're what matters to us the most.

Phew...There you have it folks, we've loved bringing you the best of what Norte has to offer this past year, we love designing and making the highest quality apparel for you and your loved ones, and we're forever grateful for the opportunity we have to be a part of your world.

Turning to the year ahead, all we'll say is this. Take 2018, add a whole bunch more magic to it, bucket loads of good vibes, adventures-a-plenty and you're half way there. What we promise though, is the raddest gear we've ever delivered, an even bigger impact on the causes we love, and working harder than ever on our commitment to Leave It Better.

Peace and Love,

Norte Team.