the tiki room | streetjesus

Here’s To The Shops

2 12 2010

At some point a while back, someone decided it was a good idea to lease out a small building, fill it with a bunch of bright gear and steezy kids, and call it a shop. That person is my hero.

I just read an article about how Zumiez (American version of West 49 basically), has posted it’s highest quarterly profits in the company’s history. Turning board shops into mall stores is working quite well apparently. At the same time, people like Jake Burton are launching tons of new initiatives to get people out of the malls, and back where they belong… in the shops… supporting the people who eat, sleep and breathe action sports. Jake’s goal this year is to ride 100 days, and also visit 100 Burton dealers… tough life, but at least we’re on the same page.

So I beg of you, the next time you need a fresh kit or some new snowboard boots, go that extra ten minutes out of your way and visit your local shop… you know, the one with the bandana-wearing kids who are crushing coffee and talking about Shane O’Neill’s new part… not the mall store with the Moms and the Blink 182… and you know, the other shitty stuff.

Here’s to all the shops that have shaped my life, and continue to keep me stoked to this day!