Route 44 has been maintaining the skate scene alive and properly in San Diego for the previous 10 years. Regardless of who you’re or what your identify is, while you enter the store your going to get handled the identical. The most effective half about this store is how numerous it’s, irrespective of in case you skate avenue, swimming pools, like hip-hop or grindcore. In my view Matt Owen has began an entire different skate scene in San Diego. Simply begin counting all the youngsters you see that rep Route 44 t-shirts and stickers. It’ exhausting to go wherever within the San Diego metropolitan space with out recognizing a child representing Route 44. Route 44 was in a position to accomplish one thing that giant chain shops like Lively weren’t been in a position to accomplish. And that’s Route 44 was in a position to construct a loyal following of skaters that won’t purchase product from some other skate retailers. Most necessary of all this store isn’t owned by some wealthy dude making an attempt to generate profits off a fad or exploit households. If you’re ever within the San Diego cease by and say hello. On this interview we’re going to converse with the proprietor of route 44 Matt Owen.
Why the identify ” Route 44″ and the place was the primary location of the store ?
The primary location was 5355 Napa avenue in decrease Linda Vista. The identify was from the bus route up and down Linda Vista highway.
What made you wish to begin a skate store ?
On the time there was not a store on the town that provided skateboards of all shapes and types. On the time wider boards weren’t as straightforward to search out however we acquired what we might to supply some selection. A number of older guys would are available and ask for wider boards and we have been the one store on the town that would meet their necessities.
What did you do earlier than beginning a skate store ?
I washed dishes modified tires skated performed music and labored for town faculty district.
Why did Route 44 have to maneuver from Morena avenue to India avenue?
Becuse San Diego wanted yet another Starbucks/ Jamba Juice, with condos on high of them. That is referred to as re-development I believe. The primary location was torn down.
What occurred to the store on India avenue ?
After about 3 years on India avenue the upstairs neighbors had a fireplace. A complete loss, besides Mikeys boards have been saved. The 2nd location was torn down.
Route 44 additionally carries information, how did that get began and the way does it work?
We have offered information from day one. ( most of my very own to assist the trigger) Now we purchase, promote and commerce information. There’s so much vinyl now then there was in 1999 after we opened. One other prediction gone mistaken, vinyl being out of date.
The Route 44 group is indestructible and include so many skaters, what are your ideas on the group ?
I consider the group as a household, Working for the trigger to maintain as many individuals skating as doable.
Is there a risk of getting a second Route 44 ?
If the financial system will get higher. We are going to contemplate a second store.
These days it looks like Route has had an enormous following with all these hesh groms, Do you assume the store has an affect on them or do they affect the store?
Hesh Groms? I believe that these youngsters are into an important a part of skateboarding that by no means left, however undoubtedly wasn’t as accepted as it’s once more. We occur to be fortunate to hold stuff from Terror, Dropout, Patines Americanos, Jivaro, Scum, and many others. These youngsters assist to maintain these corporations gong. We simply wish to supply a spot the place you may really feel comfy it doesn’t matter what fashion of skateboarding and music you’re into.
What’s in retailer for the longer term ?
We’re working a store video.
With regards to sponsorship would you quite see somebody ripping on the skatepark or ship in a sponsor me video ?
It relies upon, each are cool I am not the most effective choose, so after an intensive screening course of we’ll get again to you.
Any thanks or shout outs to folks that have supported the store?
Too many, however I thank everybody that does, or has, or that can.
Source by Zack Dowdy
