“Buy local.” These words have become popular in recent years with the sustainability, death-to-global-warming, and Occupy movements penetrating our lives. We in the skate and snow industry may have a lax way of approaching these subjects, but we still feel strongly about buying from and supporting local core shops. The benefits affect whole communities, even those outside of our industry. From promoting events around town, to putting our hard earned dollars back into the local shops, buying from a core shop is worth it.
Before we get deep, I would like to discuss the idea of “core”, or what a local shop entails. The term “core” is frequently used in the skate and snow industry. To us at Salty Peaks, it simply means any shop here to support the local scene. Core shops are not solely in it for a profit, or to sell only the most popular products. They exist for the love of skateboarding and snowboarding, and to introduce others to the fun and rewarding lifestyle. Those involved with core shops love where they are from, love where they ride, and love to share their passions. Consumers can feel this passion resonate when they shop at a local retailer.
To put it simply, core shops get people stoked. They are a place to hang out, to catch the latest shred flick, or to pick up a magazine and get the latest news from the skate and snow world. Core shops offer an atmosphere where you feel the pulse of the industry. They give patrons a chance to put their hands on the product, and to get first-hand knowledge and reviews from people who genuinely live and love what they do. Not only does a local shop have superior customer service over any online chain, core shops also carry unique products not found in big box retailers. While some shops, including us at Salty Peaks, still carry big names like Burton, we also offer customers product lines limited to core shops. A couple of these lines are Burton’s Restricted line or Spy’s Crosstown Collection sunglasses (enjoy the shameless product plugs). We give people more options and expose them to more than the mainstream media.
Possibly the strongest argument for buying locally, in any industry, is the sense of community that’s created. Local shops sponsor local riders, giving them their first taste of exposure and a real foot in the door to bigger and better things. Also, most shops are somewhat involved in the local art and music scenes. They show support for local entrepreneurs in other industries and give them a free and easy place to advertise. We also recommend customers and vacationers to try our favorite local restaurants, bars, and resorts. Core shops establish a bond with other skate and snow businesses, as well as those outside of our industry. We help each other survive.
