You’re looking at the inside of Trickwood skateshop in Washington. Click on the photo above to see a much larger version.
So far, that is the closest I’ve seen to what I want the interior of Sublimited to look like. Others have come 80% of the way there, but this is just about 100%.
Here’s what I like:
1. Dark ceiling
2. White walls and fixtures
3. Maple wood floors
4. Not crowded with product, and yet not sparse on product
5. Clean and neat
6. T-shirts arranged so that you can see what they are and they’re not getting the necks stretched out on hangers
7. Good lighting
8. No slotboard
9. Some art on the walls
10. Good branding
That’s a nice looking shop!
Do you think it will appeal to all skaters?
Definitely not all of them. Some kids would rather go to something that looks like Zumiez, Hot Topic, a pawn shop, or hell. But you can’t please everyone so you’ve got to figure out what you want to do based on what you think will work out business-wise and your own preferences. I think the above look and feel will be appealing to a lot of skaters if not most skaters, as well as parents of skaters, posers, etc.
Ultimately I want to not turn off real skaters while appealing to other groups that buy skate product, and I think appealing to real skaters has less to do with interior design (within reason) than it does with how the store is run and who’s running it. That’s why our stores (assuming we ever get any of these up and running) will be run by skaters, not by some high-school kid with spiked hair and a nose-ring who likes the clothing but hasn’t ridden a board in five years.
Yeah I’d agree with that.
There’s this cool little skate shop near to me, in Newcastle. It’s not quite as classy as the picture above, but it is smart, well laid out and includes some of the design principles you’re going for…
But the best thing about it is the guy who runs it - he’s what makes it good to shop there.
I’ve got a store opening this summer and I agree, this is a really nice layout. Thumbs way up on the hardwood floors. I’ve been drooling over some property that has them (out of my $$$ range) and it really looks nice. I like the ipod white detail and the lack of slats is fresh, helping to keep clean lines. Artwork is a nice touch. Well done.
My first impression of this store is that it’s not a “hangout” store. You know the ones…This seems more of a buy it and go. Which isn’t really a bad thing, Just catered toward your older skater or parents. On that note, as an “older” 36 year old skater, I would really like to shop this store. I just don’t think you would see too many middle school kids coming here to hang. But, lets face it, if you are in middle school, mommy had better like the store since she has the credit card.
Agreed, although maybe we’re not seeing all of the store. But certainly in my store I’d want to have at minimum a sofa and a big screen with videos playing on it somewhere.
I have an off-topic question. My company is holding a contest for $1000 a month for the best “viral” type video. I work in the action sports department, and thought that y’all would be a litttle better at vidz than mySpace. Where do you think I should post this info, do you think I will get flamed for posting a contest in a sk8 forum?
very very nice. also very nice nike’s within the shop. who are you supporting? if its the owners choice to sell the nike’s then should the question of selling nike’s be brought up to the owners rather than just telling the kids that they are sellouts?
just questions… not meaning to attack, just question the thoughts.
If you’re confused where Patrick’s coming from, it’s because he’s responding to the post about Nike.
But to respond, shop owners can sell whatever they want. Do I think a shop owner is selling out skateboarding if they carry Nike’s? Yes. Do I think a skateboarder who buys or wears Nike SB shoes is seling out skateboarding? Yes, either that or just ignorant. I would think most of the time it’s just ignorance. That is, they don’t realize the consequences of their actions.
i like the shop shown above, it more aimed at the parents and older crowd, as was mentioned above, to me that is a good thing.
things i like.
1. hardwood floors
2. space to walk around
3. wide variety of shoe, nikes no way but there are enough brands to fill the void on the shelves.
4. tons of shirts and hats, a huge plus
5. the art
i dont like
1. lack of decks, i see some around the corner but still i dont know how many there are?
2. doesn’t look like too much product, ie trucks, wheels etc
for the most part with out ever visiting i like that shop.
suggestions: i would have a tv playing videos, if there is room maybe a couch or small lounge for the girl friend or parent that come with the skater.
i have been to FTC in san fransico and that shop it small but has done good with a set up.
as a side note, when i visit a shop most of the time i am about to go skate so when i see a few parts of a video it gets me a little hyped and excited to go skate also the music plays a big roll. if i walked into the above shop and there was some run way music crap i would feel the money was being sucked from me BUT if there was a good selection of music it makes me feel better. i dont want to feel like it a fashion show or anything.
this shop rocks.
My buddy steve owns it. There IS a big screen tv, macke sound system ( that shakes the boards off the wall ) , ample selection of boards, hardwear-ie trucks-bolts. good artwork ( well conected to local progressive artists ). Stands as a local hang out ( mostly teens 14-25 ). With some of the funniest kicked-back goof-ball skaters Ive met. basically little hellians. runing around terrorizing the old retirement community of Kirkland waterfront.
best thing of all is the dude that runs the place.
Steve plays an active role with the community aside from
the shop. hosting events such as BBQ/skate partys, skate events,
ect. Creating a beter sense of community through these type of proactive aproaces has givin him a foothold in the local public opinion has gained him much respect in a smug, yuppie retirement community.
Check out these other picture of the shop.
http://www.trickwood.com/newspics_thumbs/shop-index52.jpg
http://www.trickwood.com/newspics_thumbs/8-19-06.jpg
It’s a very nice shop, but one thing about that shop that doesn’t appeal is the un-personal? I guess, I don’t really know how to say in a couple of words what I am thinking, but what I mean is; well it’s open and has a very upmarket clothing company feel, most skaters like skate stores where they get to know the owners, so a couch or two, with a tv to watch some skate vids on, those customers will be there all the time and always come to you to buy. It appeals to the skaters a lot more, keep it nice and clean but also bring a more casual/comfortable feel.
Looks “neat”, but personally i prefer a bit darker feeling. The perfect interior would be something out of a David Lynch film, you know, dark and mysterious. If I manage to really establish my shop and actually make some money from it, I will make it like that. For now it’s the classic “small independent shop” style.
does anyone know who actually designed the shop?
Looks like a hospital, but that’s just my option. I like color, graffiti art, couches and a huge plasma were people can chill or hangout, but that’s just me. Neat and clean works for some shops but I run a skate shop not a museum.
Steve the owner designed it. Check out thier new web site: http://www.trickwood.com
To the poeple that want to see a couch go to zumiez and you can hang out thier all day and pretend you skate.
I would never shop here.
Brian, the skating on your site is garbage.