February is a tough month, especially for skateshops. So when Skateshop Day hit the scene just as the pandemic crashed over us, small businesses and skate communities around the world heaved a sigh of relief.
Three years later, SSD is still going strong. This year, some shops released exclusive boards and apparel while others showed their appreciation for the community through events, specials, or charity donations. Big sites like DC actually used the holiday to take a step back from sales in order to boost small businesses. Nice move on their part.
There’s just something special about supporting brick and mortar skateshops. Maybe it’s leaning into the importance of building a community, supporting skaters, helping newbies get their bearings, or doing some good. Crailtap weighed in on the discussion:
As Red Bull eloquently put it,
“Skate Shops have always been the hub of their city’s skateboarding community. These shops are the cultural clubhouses and the glue that binds local skate scenes together. The ripple effect of Skate Shops can be felt from one town to the next as information is exchanged and skateboarders join forces in pursuit of new spots, fundraising and planning for their public parks, DIY builds and lit/covered/heated spots for those long winter months. The shop is the place where seeds are planted, nurtured and grown to fruition.”
In 2021, we highlighted a few exceptional independent skateshops with our Skateshop Spotlight series. Check out our exclusive interviews with Satellite Boardshop, Sidewalk Surfer, Escapist Skateboarding, Fargo Skatepark and Skateshop, and Classic Skate Shop.
If you missed “Christmas 2” over the weekend, not to worry – we’re confident your local would still be more than happy to have you stop in.