It might be mainstream, but skateboarding has become mainstream too. Zumiez comes with the territory. I mean, skateboarding is an Olympic sport now. It doesn’t get any more mainstream than that. So yes, Zumiez is a skate shop.
Zumiez is def a skate shop. By definition a skate shop is a shop that sells skateboards and skate apparel!! Also as skateboarders we should appreciate that Zumiez introduces a lot more people to skateboarding and that's the whole point of it, reach more people to enjoy the art that is skating!!
@@LYFT3D tru but not exclusively they sell tomatoes there too and tires for cars!! Everything in Zumiez is skateboard related or skate style related! (Also they aren’t prof gear either where Zumies is)
@@coachfaze i think we all appreciated zumies at one point or another, and still appreciate it when your in the middle of no where and need a board.. but other than that keep to the local shops, keep em going, zumies is gonna continue wether you shop there or not, but those locals may not
I worked at a Zumiez for 4 years and I think I have some insight. From my experience, Zumiez has the common conception of being a "poser shop". And I see why. People aren't hired there because of their skate knowledge. It helps, but when we would hire someone it was mostly off of their personality, ability to sell, and how we think they'd fit into the staff. When I was working there, I had been skating for around 20 years already. I'd been deep in the skate world for almost my entire life. My goal while I was there was to flip the script a little bit. In my area there weren't too many local shops, so the need for a place to buy skate stuff from someone who knows it was vast. While I was there, I tried to educate my coworkers, customers, or even just other people along the way about what I've learned and kept trying to learn more every day. I built probably 70% of the boards people walked out with while I was there. It felt great to share my passion with people, regardless on if they had been skating for decades or if that was the first time they had held one in their hands. I changed the way people saw my store. People started to come to my Zumiez because they saw it as their place. I made some amazing connections through there and even re-ignited my love for something that had gotten me through so many hard times. Did we sell mostly clothes and stuff that wasn't really "skate stuff"? Well yeah. But it was always adjacent and usually people would still come to the back and check out the board counter. I feel like if Zumiez really wants to be taken seriously as a "skate shop" they need to get skaters stoked on them. They do events like the Best Foot Forward skate contest and promote skating, but it comes down to the culture. Once the company as a whole can tap into the heartbeat of skating, they'll be able to shake the "poser" branding.
Skating now days just doesn’t seem as hardcore as it did back in the 2000s. Back in the day it was all about the individual style and vibe more than the actual technicality of the trick!
@that_one_dude to some extent I can agree. Music and skate are always a great parallel to draw. There are still people doing that. They're just more niche and with people regularly doing things that in 2003 would have been completely impossible without batting an eyelash, you gotta evolve to stay alive and continue to do what you love as job. It was a simpler time 20 years ago
The issue with Zumiez is that ultimately their goal is to make money, not push the culture. It was created by two dudes who look like they've never skated a day in their life, saw an opportunity to capitalize on a growing trend, and there in lies the issue. True skateboarding is counterculture, destroying everything it touches. You scuff your shoes, you scuff the world, you scuff yourself. Despite all these brands best attempts to package and sell the spirit of skateboarding, it cannot be sold. Skateboarding ain't something you wear, it ain't a part of your identity, it's something you do. Reject your corporate overlords or they will dominate you for the rest of your life!
I got into skateboarding in 1988. I started skating in November of 1989. Every kid back then DREAMED of having a store like Zumiez for US, skateboarders. I've skated in Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Germany and Turkey. Zumiez is a skate shop, facts, not opinion. I'm 46 now and stoked that it's still around. And yes, I do still shop at core skate shops in west central Florida as well. Keep that PMA, support each other. ✌
Zumiez to skateshops is like Gamestop is to videogame stores. Sometimes it's just easier to go to Gamestop because they are closer and have more selection , even if you wanna support a local.
That is the definition of local. One can say Not a global brand shop, but hey if what you have nearby is a Zumiez in a mall, or back alley Lol then what are you to do not get into the awesome life activity of Skateboarding, because of what is thought by the community of Skateboarders who’ve gotten to big for their britches. Where do a lot of local small shops owe their customers base from? Zumiez, Walmart, Target, and from secondhand purchases like yard sales, so the respect is there whether they are intelligent enough to realize this or not.
My local skateshop doesn't have the selection, let's be real, Zumiez carries decent decks, Spitfire and Bones wheels, decent trucks, it's corporate but they have their act together
I appreciate Zumies because they are usually open and have provided me with what I needed. I have tried to support local skate shops but they are always closed and do not carry enough inventory for me to get what I need. Zumies doesn’t deserve the hate many people give it.
Yes it is! I recently got a board there and a guy working there explained the board sizes, trucks, wheels, bearings and set it all up for me! Couldn’t ask for anything more!
Bros I just turned 30 this year I found your videos on UA-cam and they inspired me to get back into skateboarding. I haven’t skated since high school! Zumies is definitely a skate shop they are the closest shop in my area that sells everything you need to get out and skate and people of all ages can go there.
I don't think I would have ever tried skating if I didn't see Zumiez one day in the mall and got a board out of curiosity. I think it is basically entry level to intermediate.
Honestly even if some people consider this a poser shop, sometimes it’s the only option- me included. I live in a city so it’s really rare to find a local skate shop, so my only choice is really a zumiez or a vans at the mall.
Before I skated, I've always viewed Zumiez as a hybrid shop. They carry streetwear and clothes, but have gear as well. As I picked up my board 2 months ago, I'd still consider it a skateshop. Maybe not the brick & mortar stores, but if you go online, they still carry some legit brands like element, Independent, spitfire, bones, etc. Sure, they might not have the high-end gear like bones Swiss ceramics, Powell Peralta decks, etc but a lot of online "skateshops" like CCS & skate wearhouse don't have it either. Anyone saying Zumiez is for Posers is just a gatekeeper. Every sport/activity has one. The MMA community have gatekeepers also and even though I used to be one, I try not to be because we need to grow these niche sports more
I love the zumies question. It's literally the only skate shop that has consistently survived over the years in my home town, but I do always try to support the little shops that pop up.
to me it's a pacific sunwear that has boards and parts LOL. similar kinda clothes too. (idk if those were around other places but south FL. we didn't have a zumiez that i ever heard of.)
Zumiez is definitely a skate shop, doesn’t matter if they are commercial or whatever, if they got what I want for a better price, I’m going there. At the end of the day, I haven’t got enough spare cash to pay more on purpose, if I did It might be a different matter 🤷♂️.
Aight. So I’m an assistant manager at Zumiez. And it honestly depends on the store you go to. I’ve gone to some shops that have little to no skateboards. And very few parts. My location however has a LOT of skate demand. So we’re packed full of parts, of several brands and people who know what they’re talking about and doing. I’ll sell people not only what they want. But I’ll help them find what they need in order to have the best time skating. My job is to educate, and help out skaters ❤️❤️
I've been to so many zumies stores where the people setting up a complete have 0 idea what they're doing or what they're talking about. I've seen so many trucks installed backwards its not even a joke anymore.
I've both been In a Zumiez and a local skate shop and tbh, they are very similar when buying skateboards. Both have very nice employees. Zumiez is definitely a skate shop but it is always nice to support local. However, If you don't have a local skate shop near your area, it's never a bad thing to shop zumiez.
Literally to buy local is impossible where I’m at. Every time a shop opens the locals throw a fit until they shut it down. Yet Zumiez is allowed to exist in the mall and no one says a word.
If you can walk into a shop and buy everything from Decks, Trucks, Grip, bearings, hardware, and wheels anddddd clothing for skating, it is technically a skate shop. Customer service is always up to point at my local Zumiez and the homies that work there skate as well. ZUMIES IS A SKATE SHOP
Simple as that: is the main purpose of an establishment is to sell skateboards, shoes and gear, the it’s for sure a skate shop. No matter if it’s a low key local or a corporate shop. And the guy said something really important: we provide skate stuff to skaters and beginners for better/cheaper prices - the community profits. What’s bad about it?! I hate when skaters/ people talk about stuff like image… Vise versa all major board/clothing companies should be then avoided by these guys too…
I felt so much resentment when I bought my first board in a local shop. The deafening silence and the look on his face gives me power every time I remember.
when I bought my first board I got it from a Zumiez and the employee was genuinely excited. They're always helpful, funny, and always have fair prices. In my opinion, its a skate shop.
I'm not gonna lie, my local skate shop didn't have nearly as many selections of decks, shoes, or grip tape as Zumies does. So yes Zumiesz is a skate shop.
Dude at Zumies built me a great set up for $100 when I didn’t have enough cash and introduced me to Braille, because he was happy to help a new skater. If that’s not skate shop spirit then idk what is!!!
I think people call it a poser shop because it's mostly fashion oriented, you could get the impression that they're selling skate stuff as 'accessories' to go with the outfits lol
It’s not the “impression” it’s the truth. It’s not a skate shop. Their employees dont know skating and couldnt truly help you if you need it. no matter what there is an online store you can shop at instead of supporting this hype beast conglomerate
I think this video provides a lot of insight on the question at hand based on the answers; Most everyone who you asked that had skated, or still skates, agrees that it IS a skateshop simply based on the utility and availability and the concept behind what Zumiez is, while the people who don't or haven't skated say it's NOT a skateshop simply because of outside influence or hearsay. Great video!
The same skaters who give you grief about shopping at Zumiez are the same ones who would laugh that you bought a Braille complete. In the end, who cares.. just skate. (I own a Braille complete as my first board so I know lol)
until about last week, zumiez was the only place in my area that i could buy and set up a board. a new shop just opened up not far away and i'm definitely going to be supporting the local from now on, but we're talking about 10+ years where there was no local skate shop and i had to either go to zumiez or buy through ccs. my point is, zumiez is a skate shop because for a lot of people it's the only skate shop they have access to
I think Zumiez is the Planet Fitness of the skate world. They make it more approachable for novice skaters much like Planet Fitness makes gyms approachable for novice gym-goers.
Zumiez is the only reason i started skateboarding. I think they should support the skate community more than they do. They can be as big and cooperate as they want but helping out skating is important.
Its definitely the old heads and hardcores that hate on any mall skate related shops. Zumiez still helps people get into skating, and thats what matters. They can support local later when they learn more.
I’ve always seen it as a clothing store that sells boards. It’s vital for areas that don’t have local skate shops. In those areas, it’s the closest they have to a skate shop. Overall, what makes a store a skate shop is where the skaters go.
I am more than sure that everyone I help at Zumiez gets a full rundown of what we skaters do this for ! I am full of passion and love to pass my knowledge to more crowds and make sure people understand us better ! I love the company I work for cause it gives me a great outlet to show off what I do best !! SKATEBOARDING!!! Zumiez loves everyone !!
When I bought my son his first board years ago, he wanted to go to Zumiez. He bought everything individually and they assembled it for free since it was his birthday. I boarded back in the day and there were no shops like it, everything was mail order. It is definitely a skate shop.
See that's a great comparison.....but idk at the end of the day I'd never call mcdonalds a burger joint. I'd just call it a fast food spot that has burgers.
I would consider zumiez a skateshop. That's where i bought my first and current board rn. I love talking to the employees i could just stay there the whole day. Kinda sucks that people would think i'm a poser for going there. Still learning that's why.
And yeah exactly, every skater is rude and mostly/usually a rude and mean teenager with no maturity too, at least workers/skaters at Zumies know how to treat someone properly. The fact that they would think you’re a poser shows they’re uh, pretty dumb, and therefore cannot determine if Zumies is a skate shop, mostly because they immaturely say “poser” “poser” “poser” “poser”.
I bought a couple completes at Zumiez this year. They’re fairly low on intimidation compared to a local skate shop. I felt comfortable asking beginner questions. They also sell parts and tools - I grabbed a set of cushions, and they have trucks and wheels and will regrip your board. That said, they only carry a limited supply and not a huge selection of brands. They didnt offer to set up my boards I bought there. And most of the store is dedicated to clothes. The boards are in the back with a small display case of parts. But still, a skate shop. There are shops that carry 10 completes and maybe some pads - sporting goods stores or fashion shops like Tilly’s. Those aren’t skate shops. You gotta at least carry parts and have staff that can work on your board to be a skate shop.
As a kid, the place that sold skateboards in my town in Texas was Zumeiz. Any time I needed a deck, bearings, or repair, zumeiz would do it. So yes, skate shop
think about this, does Walmart sell skateboards.... yes it does. So is Walmart a skate shop? Not at all. What constitutes a skate shop? Well it is pretty simple, Zumiez has an employee that can execute key roles of installation may it be; trucks, grip tape, bearings, and wheels, ALL within the confines of the building. So that makes Zumiez 100% a skate shop. The quality of the employee(s) that can carry out this function may be negligible, but as a requirement of an employee for the operation to function nonetheless. Since they have Zumiez has created a storefront that has an operator that assembles skateboards it is a skate shop, whereas Walmart does not have an employee to assemble skateboards they are not a skate shop. I hope this explanation helped you achieve the understanding required to make your purchases. Please give us your feedback and take this survey to help us improve explanations for feature youtube comments.
Walmart and Target also do not sell pro decks from real board companies along with indys , thunder, and quality wheels. If a dedicated skate shop sold and assembled Walmart brand boards I would not calm it a skate shop either. I think if you sell and assemble professional equipment and gear you’re a skate shop. Now would I choose them over a local shop. That’s a different question altogether. I was a firm supporter of my local shop but it went out of business with COVID. So I have bought decks from zumiez and on line shops like tactics since then.
My goal is to have a skate shop in the central valley because the only place you can physically get a board same day is Zumiez in Modesto. I see so many skaters in my hometown just skating around in the streets and going to basketball courts (we don't got a skatepark) that if a skate shop was near I'm sure they will go. I love skating ever since I started last year and want to bring the community together!! then maybe city hall will think about making a skatepark!!
cuz its like 100 grand a year to rent a store front in Modesto thats why there are none. online = no rent its impossible to compete nowdays sadly but if its your dream maybe try buying a house with an attached store front so you dont have to pay rent on something you will never own.
@@Anthony-uz5tj that's not a bad idea. I haven't gotten that far Into thinking about it because Im first trying to save and come up with the money. My main goal is to get a house anyways but if I can merge that somehow that will be sick!
I’m pretty sure there’s one in Tracy (idk I saw it at the mall like a couple years ago but I’m not sure if it’s still there.) but I totally think you should!!!
Wait bro I'm not tryna be rude or anything but there's plenty of skateparks nearby. Beyer skatepark, Ceres skatepark, Oakdale skatepark, and there is a skate shop in Modesto, The Spot Skate Shop off of 9th Street. That's a real skate shop and a dope one too.
I think by definition, Zumiez is technically a Skate Shop, but not in the spirit of true skate culture, which is why a lot of skaters prefer not to go there. It has the products but lacks the culture.
I mean not really, at least in my experience everyone who works there has been skating for years and I think it’s just because we don’t actually have a local shop that carries enough, so like, in those cases it really does have the culture surrounding it bc it’s all we have
Walmart and Target sell complete boards, but you can walk into a Zumiez and get individual parts like just the decks, trucks, wheels and bearings. If you can completely customize your board and have the employees help you assemble your set up, it's a skate shop imo
Back when I first started skating zumiez was awesome I remember they had boards all over the back on the wall and hanging from the ceiling with lots of brands to choose from even the parts counter had a huge variety of stuff to pick from as far as trucks and wheels and stuff. Now it’s slim pickings on everything and 90 percent of the board brands they carry now I’ve even heard of and don’t even get me started on the employees they have nowadays. That’s why I personally started buying local friendly employees and brands I’m familiar with
Unfortunately the only skate shop anywhere near me is a zombies, otherwise I would say no, but if I want trucks or anything without ordering them I have to go to zumies
@@yasuke414 i live in the middle of nowhere so it takes reeeaaaalllllyy long for amazon/online orders to get here, so honestly its just more convenient and faster to just go to the zumies which is only a town or so over. I would love to support locally if there was a skate shop closer.
Both of my boards are from Zumies and My Uncle Cousin and I have been going to Zumies for parts and decks for years 🤣 LOVE ZUMIES they even let you skate in the shop to test your board before you leave!
Zumiez literally is what got me seriously considering getting a skateboard. The guy knew enough to put me on the right track and shopping around I found a local shop that had just what I needed in the cruiser category. So if nothing else they can help by giving people ideas, but I do consider them a skate shop.
My town does not have local skateshop so all we have is Zumiez, fortunately my local zumiez are skaters that know their stuff and I am happy with my complete that I setup their
Zumiez is a skate shop if you can’t set up a board at Zumiez they can set up a board for you it’s a skate shop you could get your shoes and everything you need to skate
So i’m a beginner in skating and was scared to go to Zumiez cause I didn’t wanna be seen as a poser. But when I went there the staff was really helpful in helping me find and tune up my board, so yeah I believe it’s a skate shop. :)
Zumiez is 100% a skateshop. They sell everything you need, and most of their profits are from the complete boards and parts. Not to mention they assemble the board for you if you even have one piece of equipment from them.
Is Starbucks a coffee shop? Of course it is! It's not your locally owned small-scale venue, and they have many drinks that are less traditionally coffee, but overall it's convenient and a great place for "coffee noobs". The same applies here! :-)
back in the early 2000s when i started skating, a skateshop stood out by having a team of riders they sponsored. does zumiez have a skate team like powell/peralta or other skate shops do?
As a Zumiez Manager, I can confidently say I only joined because I enjoy selling skate stuff. Zumiez as a company puts on tons of events for employees and customers regarding skating around the country. They’ve shown me nothing but love and care ❤
As a person that gets boards at just about all the shops in Copenhagen. I saw they got boards and all you need to keep skating, then its a skateshop. its just a plus if they have the brand you skate mostly
"posers go there so it isn't a skateshop" i mean posers could go to well known and loved skateshops, but does that make those non-skateshops? "they sell skateboards, so it's a skateshop" walmart sells skateboards, but is that a skateshop? nope! what people should've said is, "they primarily sell skateboards and skatewear, so zumies is a skateshop."
I think skaters are shooting themselves in the foot trying to separate each other as posers and real skaters, as long as you’re out there skating and enjoying life what else matters
Im from ABQ. We all hit up Zumiez at least half the time. Got everything you need to skate and most of the time their blanks were lower cost and pretty durable. So yeah, skateshop.
Zumies is and always has been a clothing store first. they are a clothing store that caters to skateboarders, snowboarders and motocross riders that also has a small skate shop inside.
It's definitely more focused on clothes than skateboards, but for the beginners getting their first stuff it's fine. More advanced skaters will have a harder time finding more specific things they need for their boards. A local skate shop owner is also much more likely to be knowledgeable about skating in general which can help.
Idk, I just got a deck at Zumiez because the other closest place to get a deck is local but it’s expensive, a clothing store, and a smoke shop that also happened to have decks.
I bought wheels from Zumiez online that flat-spotted after a few rides, and the local Zumiez gave me full credit toward a set of Spitfire wheels. For this reason, I have no issues with shopping at Zumiez. I would prefer to shop at a smaller skater owned store, but they are much further away, and they probably would not let me return flat-spotted wheels. With that said, I would shop at either stores just as much, but for different reasons.
ill never understand How anyone skates with those flimsy "board feel" shoes🤔 I always skate my best with something more like globe sabre's🔥 or dvs Celsius. I rip with them straight outta the box.
So, I went to US a couple of years ago and because my family is not skateboarding lovers, the only store they would recommend to visit was Zumiez, so I went there and its feels like a skateshop but its more like a place to get clothes and just a couple of pages from all the catalogue of brands that skateboarding has.
For the question at the top of the video. I think it starts being corporate compared to a local business when the profits are no longer supporting the local community. I used to work with R/C cars and sold to local shops. a lot of customers that think Hobbytown USA is a corporate shop, but in reality they're privately owned and just pay for rights to the name. The main profits are still going to a local person in the community
yes it is even tho they have more street wear clothing they still provide everything you need for skaters, imo people say its a poser shop because one person said it and its gotten passed around. ive gotten my first board there and it works fine tho im very intermediate.
So yes my intro into looking at skateboards was Zumiez. It sells everything you need as an entry level skateboarder. When I took my girlfriend in once I was able to explain to her the different shapes of both longbaords and regular skateboards, because they had the stock. So definitely helpful overall. Sure they do have streetwear stuff and that isn't something I'd buy, but if I really wanted a certain graphic or board, I won't mind buying one there.
What's great about Zumiez is it can introduce a bunch of new people into skateboarding, though when it comes time, you should shop at your local first (if possible)
Where I’m from there are no local skate shops so I’m having to drive 45 min outta my way to go to zumiez to buy a board and gear. Plus zumiez has high quality hardware gear like other skate shops. Yes, it’s corporate and mainstream but still a skate shop
I believe Zumiez is a skate shop, yes. Will I look over and drive around a couple hours checking my local shops for what I want first. Absolutely. End of day, when building a board, picking out an outfit that I feel comfortable in, or picking up something I need/want… if I end up at Zumiez and find what I want, I get it. To expand, want my local shops to succeed, so I grab their stickers, try to support them. That’s why they are first on the list of stops. Zumiez isn’t going anywhere, so I try them last. With what I shop for, I like matching(clothes to board and those to my current mood) and comfort fit. It helps me feel better about pushing further knowing I’m gonna eat it trying to learn or improve. Whatever puts me in the mood to get on and going.
Zumiez is definitely a skate shop! I bought my first deck there, they built it, set it up from custom parts I brought in. The girl did a fantastic job building my board. I’m still skating to this day. Zumiez, 100% skate shop 👍
I just started skateboarding again after years of innactivity and i have to thanks Zumies for that so i don't understand the whole "poser" trend that some people are blaming on new skateboarders
I think the fact that they don't just sell assembled skateboards, but components and they assembly them makes it a skateshop. They don't have as much as most local skateshops, but then again I been to some small local ones that didn't have much selection either. Now the feel of a corporate skateshop is definitely different then a non- corporate skate shop for sure. Basically just a different type of skate shop I guess is what I would say.
If you bought anything for a skateboard there or they help set up boards. They are a skate shop. Any place that helps get people a board and out the door is viable. I wish I had local stores I only had a Zumiez to buy my first board from but that's so I could have more options. Now after browsing UA-cam I've found so much more to just order online.
For me zumez is at the mall and I got my first board there when I was 12 which was a 8.0 board, and funny thing is when I searched up how to skateboard braille popped up and that’s how I learned.
Aside from selling skateboards and stuff. Zumiez is also one of those shops that helps skaters find something to wear on their daily sesh. The owner really is an entrepreneur, the mixture really blends for me.
When i was a kid my first skateboard was a 30 dollar Wal-Mart board. I didn't even know what a Zumies was then. But after my parents took me there for a new birthday board i was kinda hooked on Zumies because it was the only skate shop place i knew of. Id consider it a skate shop even though its corporate, it got me hella into skating.
Any store that promotes and helps other get interested and involved into any type of physical sport, activity or hobby should be respected and encouraged ....irrespective of their commercial size, scale, remit and agenda's. Some will always like to help support small locally run outlets while others like the convenience and discounts of bigger chain stores.....There's actually not right or wrong..but typically there will always be plenty of people who like to judge and dismiss things and others....no matter what they do.
100% a skate shop. I live in the middle of nowhere and Zumiez is the closest place to me to get anything for my board. It’s an hour drive to the closest “local” shop while Zumiez is 30 minutes and always has what I need to keep riding.
I don't normally go to zumies for skate gear, i go to alot of local shops. But they were open at the mall late and had the wheels i needed to complete my new board so they came in clutch. They even had decent prices on their long boards, you could get a full comlete for $150 which is a great deal in my eyes. They had decks for $50 bucks and you could compete them for $85 as advertised, i spent more than 135 on just the trucks and wheels for my new deck
As a person who lives in rural America, Zumiez is the only shop that’s close. It’s not a poser it’s about giving us in the country the opportunity to skate as well because the skate scene in the country is near none existent.
I loved getting things from zumies back in the day.. I loved how I could set my board up right there. and I definitely wasn't no poser. if you want to be a hater then don't buy from Zumies. we need to stop gate keeping and just accept anyone and everyone who wants to be down with skateboarding
Definitely a real skate shop. Its corporate and some of the clientele is a bit cringey and poserish, but I got a lot of great stuff at zumiez when I skated. They usually have a decent selection of everything you’d need or want, and they’re fairly accessible. Where I live, local skate shops are few and far between but there’s always a mall with a zumiez somewhere.
definitely a skateshop. it might be mainstream, and corporate, but it has all the things you need as a skater. therefore, skateshop
It might be mainstream, but skateboarding has become mainstream too. Zumiez comes with the territory. I mean, skateboarding is an Olympic sport now. It doesn’t get any more mainstream than that.
So yes, Zumiez is a skate shop.
no. zumies is hot topic for skaters.
Zumiez is cool if that's your option. But it's always more fun to support the local shop. The people at the skate shops can drop some tricks too.
@@imightjustmakeit there’s 0 local shops where i’m at. Not everyone has local shops.
@@taylor309 lol thats why he said zumiez is cool *if thats your option*, did you even read the comment before you replied
Zumiez is def a skate shop. By definition a skate shop is a shop that sells skateboards and skate apparel!! Also as skateboarders we should appreciate that Zumiez introduces a lot more people to skateboarding and that's the whole point of it, reach more people to enjoy the art that is skating!!
Walmart technically sells skateboards and skate apparel.
@@LYFT3D tru but not exclusively they sell tomatoes there too and tires for cars!! Everything in Zumiez is skateboard related or skate style related! (Also they aren’t prof gear either where Zumies is)
@@coachfaze i think we all appreciated zumies at one point or another, and still appreciate it when your in the middle of no where and need a board.. but other than that keep to the local shops, keep em going, zumies is gonna continue wether you shop there or not, but those locals may not
@@gawdlyinhale4203 yes sir! I go to my local shop, but if I’m ever at the mall and need some stuff I’ll stop there as well!!
69th like ahaha. nah but i agree fs
This man really looked Tanjiro dead in the face and said “YuGI oH”
yeah I was going to say the same thing haha
Pain
FR 💀
Lol
took me out
I worked at a Zumiez for 4 years and I think I have some insight. From my experience, Zumiez has the common conception of being a "poser shop". And I see why. People aren't hired there because of their skate knowledge. It helps, but when we would hire someone it was mostly off of their personality, ability to sell, and how we think they'd fit into the staff. When I was working there, I had been skating for around 20 years already. I'd been deep in the skate world for almost my entire life. My goal while I was there was to flip the script a little bit. In my area there weren't too many local shops, so the need for a place to buy skate stuff from someone who knows it was vast. While I was there, I tried to educate my coworkers, customers, or even just other people along the way about what I've learned and kept trying to learn more every day. I built probably 70% of the boards people walked out with while I was there. It felt great to share my passion with people, regardless on if they had been skating for decades or if that was the first time they had held one in their hands. I changed the way people saw my store. People started to come to my Zumiez because they saw it as their place. I made some amazing connections through there and even re-ignited my love for something that had gotten me through so many hard times. Did we sell mostly clothes and stuff that wasn't really "skate stuff"? Well yeah. But it was always adjacent and usually people would still come to the back and check out the board counter. I feel like if Zumiez really wants to be taken seriously as a "skate shop" they need to get skaters stoked on them. They do events like the Best Foot Forward skate contest and promote skating, but it comes down to the culture. Once the company as a whole can tap into the heartbeat of skating, they'll be able to shake the "poser" branding.
I ain’t reading all at but we up 🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥🔥
Skating now days just doesn’t seem as hardcore as it did back in the 2000s. Back in the day it was all about the individual style and vibe more than the actual technicality of the trick!
@that_one_dude to some extent I can agree. Music and skate are always a great parallel to draw. There are still people doing that. They're just more niche and with people regularly doing things that in 2003 would have been completely impossible without batting an eyelash, you gotta evolve to stay alive and continue to do what you love as job. It was a simpler time 20 years ago
Fr bruh
The issue with Zumiez is that ultimately their goal is to make money, not push the culture. It was created by two dudes who look like they've never skated a day in their life, saw an opportunity to capitalize on a growing trend, and there in lies the issue. True skateboarding is counterculture, destroying everything it touches. You scuff your shoes, you scuff the world, you scuff yourself. Despite all these brands best attempts to package and sell the spirit of skateboarding, it cannot be sold. Skateboarding ain't something you wear, it ain't a part of your identity, it's something you do. Reject your corporate overlords or they will dominate you for the rest of your life!
I got into skateboarding in 1988. I started skating in November of 1989. Every kid back then DREAMED of having a store like Zumiez for US, skateboarders. I've skated in Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Germany and Turkey. Zumiez is a skate shop, facts, not opinion. I'm 46 now and stoked that it's still around. And yes, I do still shop at core skate shops in west central Florida as well. Keep that PMA, support each other. ✌
❤️
W
Facts.
"I didn't know Reebok made shoes" is a hilarious sentence because they're a shoe brand. I know he meant skate shoes, but still cracked up
They actually make some decent shoes to skate in.
Was thinking the same thing 🤣
I laughed out loud in my office when he said that haha
I cracked up too lol
I thought he was joking but then I realize he meant skate shoes
Zumiez to skateshops is like Gamestop is to videogame stores. Sometimes it's just easier to go to Gamestop because they are closer and have more selection , even if you wanna support a local.
@Robert Wilson that’s pretty based still punk rock is cool
That is the definition of local. One can say Not a global brand shop, but hey if what you have nearby is a Zumiez in a mall, or back alley Lol then what are you to do not get into the awesome life activity of Skateboarding, because of what is thought by the community of Skateboarders who’ve gotten to big for their britches. Where do a lot of local small shops owe their customers base from? Zumiez, Walmart, Target, and from secondhand purchases like yard sales, so the respect is there whether they are intelligent enough to realize this or not.
@@buffalomind6838 Man just insulted local skate shop owners in one large run on sentence that made zero sense. Nice job man
I would go to diffrent game stores if they existed
My local skateshop doesn't have the selection, let's be real, Zumiez carries decent decks, Spitfire and Bones wheels, decent trucks, it's corporate but they have their act together
I appreciate Zumies because they are usually open and have provided me with what I needed. I have tried to support local skate shops but they are always closed and do not carry enough inventory for me to get what I need. Zumies doesn’t deserve the hate many people give it.
Yes it is! I recently got a board there and a guy working there explained the board sizes, trucks, wheels, bearings and set it all up for me! Couldn’t ask for anything more!
whatd u get
Bros I just turned 30 this year I found your videos on UA-cam and they inspired me to get back into skateboarding. I haven’t skated since high school! Zumies is definitely a skate shop they are the closest shop in my area that sells everything you need to get out and skate and people of all ages can go there.
I don't think I would have ever tried skating if I didn't see Zumiez one day in the mall and got a board out of curiosity. I think it is basically entry level to intermediate.
Honestly I have been treated more friendly at a zumiez than any "real" skate shop, so it's a yes from me.
so true
For real lol
Fun fact it's step one of the training to greet everyone and treat everyone with kindness even if they walked right by you a second before
Same here, they like posers like me at Zumiez.
@@lcrilley93 I work for a company that's trains customer service as well but it doesn't seem to translate for some. Now that's a fun fact!
Honestly even if some people consider this a poser shop, sometimes it’s the only option- me included. I live in a city so it’s really rare to find a local skate shop, so my only choice is really a zumiez or a vans at the mall.
same. no skate shops around zumiez is the only one around
Bro me too you ain't alone😔
I live in England and we don't have any skate shops not even zumiez
sameeee
My local shop is closing down so zumiez is my only option now
Before I skated, I've always viewed Zumiez as a hybrid shop. They carry streetwear and clothes, but have gear as well.
As I picked up my board 2 months ago, I'd still consider it a skateshop. Maybe not the brick & mortar stores, but if you go online, they still carry some legit brands like element, Independent, spitfire, bones, etc.
Sure, they might not have the high-end gear like bones Swiss ceramics, Powell Peralta decks, etc but a lot of online "skateshops" like CCS & skate wearhouse don't have it either.
Anyone saying Zumiez is for Posers is just a gatekeeper. Every sport/activity has one. The MMA community have gatekeepers also and even though I used to be one, I try not to be because we need to grow these niche sports more
I love the zumies question. It's literally the only skate shop that has consistently survived over the years in my home town, but I do always try to support the little shops that pop up.
to me it's a pacific sunwear that has boards and parts LOL. similar kinda clothes too. (idk if those were around other places but south FL. we didn't have a zumiez that i ever heard of.)
Zumiez is definitely a skate shop, doesn’t matter if they are commercial or whatever, if they got what I want for a better price, I’m going there.
At the end of the day, I haven’t got enough spare cash to pay more on purpose, if I did It might be a different matter 🤷♂️.
exactly, I love their clothes and prices
Hes ri
Truth. Until the skate shops can match the price of Zumiez I’m not going to local skate shops
The people that work at zumiez usually arent skaters and are likely to put your trucks on backwards lol
The real truth 💯
Aight. So I’m an assistant manager at Zumiez. And it honestly depends on the store you go to. I’ve gone to some shops that have little to no skateboards. And very few parts. My location however has a LOT of skate demand. So we’re packed full of parts, of several brands and people who know what they’re talking about and doing. I’ll sell people not only what they want. But I’ll help them find what they need in order to have the best time skating. My job is to educate, and help out skaters ❤️❤️
I've been to so many zumies stores where the people setting up a complete have 0 idea what they're doing or what they're talking about. I've seen so many trucks installed backwards its not even a joke anymore.
I've both been In a Zumiez and a local skate shop and tbh, they are very similar when buying skateboards. Both have very nice employees. Zumiez is definitely a skate shop but it is always nice to support local. However, If you don't have a local skate shop near your area, it's never a bad thing to shop zumiez.
Literally to buy local is impossible where I’m at. Every time a shop opens the locals throw a fit until they shut it down. Yet Zumiez is allowed to exist in the mall and no one says a word.
If you can walk into a shop and buy everything from Decks, Trucks, Grip, bearings, hardware, and wheels anddddd clothing for skating, it is technically a skate shop. Customer service is always up to point at my local Zumiez and the homies that work there skate as well. ZUMIES IS A SKATE SHOP
to be technical, a skate shop sells more then just that
Simple as that: is the main purpose of an establishment is to sell skateboards, shoes and gear, the it’s for sure a skate shop. No matter if it’s a low key local or a corporate shop.
And the guy said something really important: we provide skate stuff to skaters and beginners for better/cheaper prices - the community profits. What’s bad about it?! I hate when skaters/ people talk about stuff like image…
Vise versa all major board/clothing companies should be then avoided by these guys too…
There are so many cool Skate shops here in Albuquerque you guys should definitely go check out skate city, silver, or haven while you’re in town
I felt so much resentment when I bought my first board in a local shop. The deafening silence and the look on his face gives me power every time I remember.
when I bought my first board I got it from a Zumiez and the employee was genuinely excited. They're always helpful, funny, and always have fair prices. In my opinion, its a skate shop.
I'm not gonna lie, my local skate shop didn't have nearly as many selections of decks, shoes, or grip tape as Zumies does. So yes Zumiesz is a skate shop.
Dude at Zumies built me a great set up for $100 when I didn’t have enough cash and introduced me to Braille, because he was happy to help a new skater. If that’s not skate shop spirit then idk what is!!!
Points to Demon Slayer and says Yugioh xd
cause no one caree about anime
@@Zxxy.. missing out
70.
I think people call it a poser shop because it's mostly fashion oriented, you could get the impression that they're selling skate stuff as 'accessories' to go with the outfits lol
Also cuz a lot of posers just happen to shop there and think rip and dip is fire
It’s not the “impression” it’s the truth. It’s not a skate shop. Their employees dont know skating and couldnt truly help you if you need it. no matter what there is an online store you can shop at instead of supporting this hype beast conglomerate
makes sense
"How bout this sick board, cool graphics sick bro, and match it up with these black trucks. Sick man."
-- Some Zumiez guy
When I was a kid I went in for a build and they put the grip over the screws 🙃
I think this video provides a lot of insight on the question at hand based on the answers; Most everyone who you asked that had skated, or still skates, agrees that it IS a skateshop simply based on the utility and availability and the concept behind what Zumiez is, while the people who don't or haven't skated say it's NOT a skateshop simply because of outside influence or hearsay. Great video!
Zumiez is a shop that made it to the big leagues, every mall has one and they've always had the most friendly employees.
Not the Cumberland mall NJ!! Heck, there are currently no core skate shops around either. The last of them dried up in the last decade.
The same skaters who give you grief about shopping at Zumiez are the same ones who would laugh that you bought a Braille complete. In the end, who cares.. just skate. (I own a Braille complete as my first board so I know lol)
until about last week, zumiez was the only place in my area that i could buy and set up a board. a new shop just opened up not far away and i'm definitely going to be supporting the local from now on, but we're talking about 10+ years where there was no local skate shop and i had to either go to zumiez or buy through ccs. my point is, zumiez is a skate shop because for a lot of people it's the only skate shop they have access to
I think Zumiez is the Planet Fitness of the skate world. They make it more approachable for novice skaters much like Planet Fitness makes gyms approachable for novice gym-goers.
Zumiez is the only reason i started skateboarding. I think they should support the skate community more than they do. They can be as big and cooperate as they want but helping out skating is important.
How can they support the skate community more?
Its definitely the old heads and hardcores that hate on any mall skate related shops. Zumiez still helps people get into skating, and thats what matters. They can support local later when they learn more.
I’ve always seen it as a clothing store that sells boards. It’s vital for areas that don’t have local skate shops. In those areas, it’s the closest they have to a skate shop. Overall, what makes a store a skate shop is where the skaters go.
Define a skate shop
Hahaha dude working at Consumption called out Zumiez for selling main stream gear when his entire store looks like a billboard for Supreme lol
I am more than sure that everyone I help at Zumiez gets a full rundown of what we skaters do this for ! I am full of passion and love to pass my knowledge to more crowds and make sure people understand us better ! I love the company I work for cause it gives me a great outlet to show off what I do best !! SKATEBOARDING!!! Zumiez loves everyone !!
When I bought my son his first board years ago, he wanted to go to Zumiez. He bought everything individually and they assembled it for free since it was his birthday. I boarded back in the day and there were no shops like it, everything was mail order. It is definitely a skate shop.
It's like asking "is mcdonalds a burger joint?" Technically speaking, it is
See that's a great comparison.....but idk at the end of the day I'd never call mcdonalds a burger joint. I'd just call it a fast food spot that has burgers.
I would consider zumiez a skateshop. That's where i bought my first and current board rn. I love talking to the employees i could just stay there the whole day. Kinda sucks that people would think i'm a poser for going there. Still learning that's why.
And yeah exactly, every skater is rude and mostly/usually a rude and mean teenager with no maturity too, at least workers/skaters at Zumies know how to treat someone properly. The fact that they would think you’re a poser shows they’re uh, pretty dumb, and therefore cannot determine if Zumies is a skate shop, mostly because they immaturely say “poser” “poser” “poser” “poser”.
Its like what Ricky said, How long is skate shop local until they become corporate. Zumiez may be a local corprate skate shop.
I bought a couple completes at Zumiez this year. They’re fairly low on intimidation compared to a local skate shop. I felt comfortable asking beginner questions. They also sell parts and tools - I grabbed a set of cushions, and they have trucks and wheels and will regrip your board.
That said, they only carry a limited supply and not a huge selection of brands. They didnt offer to set up my boards I bought there. And most of the store is dedicated to clothes. The boards are in the back with a small display case of parts. But still, a skate shop.
There are shops that carry 10 completes and maybe some pads - sporting goods stores or fashion shops like Tilly’s. Those aren’t skate shops. You gotta at least carry parts and have staff that can work on your board to be a skate shop.
As a kid, the place that sold skateboards in my town in Texas was Zumeiz. Any time I needed a deck, bearings, or repair, zumeiz would do it. So yes, skate shop
think about this, does Walmart sell skateboards.... yes it does. So is Walmart a skate shop? Not at all. What constitutes a skate shop? Well it is pretty simple, Zumiez has an employee that can execute key roles of installation may it be; trucks, grip tape, bearings, and wheels, ALL within the confines of the building. So that makes Zumiez 100% a skate shop. The quality of the employee(s) that can carry out this function may be negligible, but as a requirement of an employee for the operation to function nonetheless. Since they have Zumiez has created a storefront that has an operator that assembles skateboards it is a skate shop, whereas Walmart does not have an employee to assemble skateboards they are not a skate shop. I hope this explanation helped you achieve the understanding required to make your purchases. Please give us your feedback and take this survey to help us improve explanations for feature youtube comments.
Walmart and Target also do not sell pro decks from real board companies along with indys , thunder, and quality wheels. If a dedicated skate shop sold and assembled Walmart brand boards I would not calm it a skate shop either. I think if you sell and assemble professional equipment and gear you’re a skate shop. Now would I choose them over a local shop. That’s a different question altogether. I was a firm supporter of my local shop but it went out of business with COVID. So I have bought decks from zumiez and on line shops like tactics since then.
My goal is to have a skate shop in the central valley because the only place you can physically get a board same day is Zumiez in Modesto. I see so many skaters in my hometown just skating around in the streets and going to basketball courts (we don't got a skatepark) that if a skate shop was near I'm sure they will go. I love skating ever since I started last year and want to bring the community together!! then maybe city hall will think about making a skatepark!!
Do it!
cuz its like 100 grand a year to rent a store front in Modesto thats why there are none. online = no rent its impossible to compete nowdays sadly but if its your dream maybe try buying a house with an attached store front so you dont have to pay rent on something you will never own.
@@Anthony-uz5tj that's not a bad idea. I haven't gotten that far Into thinking about it because Im first trying to save and come up with the money. My main goal is to get a house anyways but if I can merge that somehow that will be sick!
I’m pretty sure there’s one in Tracy (idk I saw it at the mall like a couple years ago but I’m not sure if it’s still there.) but I totally think you should!!!
Wait bro I'm not tryna be rude or anything but there's plenty of skateparks nearby. Beyer skatepark, Ceres skatepark, Oakdale skatepark, and there is a skate shop in Modesto, The Spot Skate Shop off of 9th Street. That's a real skate shop and a dope one too.
I think by definition, Zumiez is technically a Skate Shop, but not in the spirit of true skate culture, which is why a lot of skaters prefer not to go there. It has the products but lacks the culture.
Well said.
This
I mean not really, at least in my experience everyone who works there has been skating for years and I think it’s just because we don’t actually have a local shop that carries enough, so like, in those cases it really does have the culture surrounding it bc it’s all we have
@@skyflipz7642 yeah, skating Penny boards
Walmart and Target sell complete boards, but you can walk into a Zumiez and get individual parts like just the decks, trucks, wheels and bearings. If you can completely customize your board and have the employees help you assemble your set up, it's a skate shop imo
Back when I first started skating zumiez was awesome I remember they had boards all over the back on the wall and hanging from the ceiling with lots of brands to choose from even the parts counter had a huge variety of stuff to pick from as far as trucks and wheels and stuff. Now it’s slim pickings on everything and 90 percent of the board brands they carry now I’ve even heard of and don’t even get me started on the employees they have nowadays. That’s why I personally started buying local friendly employees and brands I’m familiar with
Unfortunately the only skate shop anywhere near me is a zombies, otherwise I would say no, but if I want trucks or anything without ordering them I have to go to zumies
Then order. Also support a local who has some sort of knowledge and love for skate boarding rather than the old white dude that owns industrial
@@yasuke414 not everybody can order stuff online for cheap, zumies is a decent alternative
@@yasuke414 not everyone has the money to buy from locals, they are usually more expensive than your regular local zumie
@@yasuke414 i live in the middle of nowhere so it takes reeeaaaalllllyy long for amazon/online orders to get here, so honestly its just more convenient and faster to just go to the zumies which is only a town or so over. I would love to support locally if there was a skate shop closer.
i literally just went to Zumiez the other day and got my first proper board.
I actually laughed when Ricky said "50 bucks for some thongs???" 😂 Had me dead
Quick, someone show him the Reefs with the bottle-opener in the sole and air-cushioned heels....anywhere from $45-60!
Both of my boards are from Zumies and My Uncle Cousin and I have been going to Zumies for parts and decks for years 🤣 LOVE ZUMIES they even let you skate in the shop to test your board before you leave!
Zumiez literally is what got me seriously considering getting a skateboard. The guy knew enough to put me on the right track and shopping around I found a local shop that had just what I needed in the cruiser category. So if nothing else they can help by giving people ideas, but I do consider them a skate shop.
My town does not have local skateshop so all we have is Zumiez, fortunately my local zumiez are skaters that know their stuff and I am happy with my complete that I setup their
You need a SK8-BRD-BUS on your town.
That “snowboard” at Dicks makes my soul cry
Zumiez is a skate shop if you can’t set up a board at Zumiez they can set up a board for you it’s a skate shop you could get your shoes and everything you need to skate
So i’m a beginner in skating and was scared to go to Zumiez cause I didn’t wanna be seen as a poser. But when I went there the staff was really helpful in helping me find and tune up my board, so yeah I believe it’s a skate shop. :)
Zumiez is 100% a skateshop. They sell everything you need, and most of their profits are from the complete boards and parts. Not to mention they assemble the board for you if you even have one piece of equipment from them.
Is Starbucks a coffee shop? Of course it is! It's not your locally owned small-scale venue, and they have many drinks that are less traditionally coffee, but overall it's convenient and a great place for "coffee noobs". The same applies here! :-)
But Starbucks is for posers.
Pov: zumiez is a skate shop
back in the early 2000s when i started skating, a skateshop stood out by having a team of riders they sponsored. does zumiez have a skate team like powell/peralta or other skate shops do?
Is it still the 2000s and are you still starting out ?
As a Zumiez Manager, I can confidently say I only joined because I enjoy selling skate stuff.
Zumiez as a company puts on tons of events for employees and customers regarding skating around the country. They’ve shown me nothing but love and care ❤
The dude with the tats was in my MMR group. That’s hilarious.
Lol you work for commission
As a person that gets boards at just about all the shops in Copenhagen. I saw they got boards and all you need to keep skating, then its a skateshop. its just a plus if they have the brand you skate mostly
No one:
Not even my mother:
Ricky: *looks at tanjiros face* 🥴Yu-Gi-Oh 🥴
"posers go there so it isn't a skateshop"
i mean posers could go to well known and loved skateshops, but does that make those non-skateshops?
"they sell skateboards, so it's a skateshop"
walmart sells skateboards, but is that a skateshop? nope!
what people should've said is,
"they primarily sell skateboards and skatewear, so zumies is a skateshop."
I think skaters are shooting themselves in the foot trying to separate each other as posers and real skaters, as long as you’re out there skating and enjoying life what else matters
Im from ABQ. We all hit up Zumiez at least half the time. Got everything you need to skate and most of the time their blanks were lower cost and pretty durable. So yeah, skateshop.
Zumies is and always has been a clothing store first. they are a clothing store that caters to skateboarders, snowboarders and motocross riders that also has a small skate shop inside.
We dont even have a skateshop in my town or a store that sells "pro" boards. Rip.
Zumiez is a skate shop, that non skaters can feel comfortable to shop at.
I just got my first board at a zumiez today and they were wonderful! You could tell they enjoyed their job and knew what they were doing
It's definitely more focused on clothes than skateboards, but for the beginners getting their first stuff it's fine. More advanced skaters will have a harder time finding more specific things they need for their boards. A local skate shop owner is also much more likely to be knowledgeable about skating in general which can help.
Idk, I just got a deck at Zumiez because the other closest place to get a deck is local but it’s expensive, a clothing store, and a smoke shop that also happened to have decks.
I bought wheels from Zumiez online that flat-spotted after a few rides, and the local Zumiez gave me full credit toward a set of Spitfire wheels. For this reason, I have no issues with shopping at Zumiez. I would prefer to shop at a smaller skater owned store, but they are much further away, and they probably would not let me return flat-spotted wheels. With that said, I would shop at either stores just as much, but for different reasons.
it is a skateshop, but its not a "Local" Skateshop. Local skateshops have amazing skate vibes. Zumiez is well... ya know.
ill never understand How anyone skates with those flimsy "board feel" shoes🤔 I always skate my best with something more like globe sabre's🔥 or dvs Celsius. I rip with them straight outta the box.
So, I went to US a couple of years ago and because my family is not skateboarding lovers, the only store they would recommend to visit was Zumiez, so I went there and its feels like a skateshop but its more like a place to get clothes and just a couple of pages from all the catalogue of brands that skateboarding has.
For the question at the top of the video. I think it starts being corporate compared to a local business when the profits are no longer supporting the local community. I used to work with R/C cars and sold to local shops. a lot of customers that think Hobbytown USA is a corporate shop, but in reality they're privately owned and just pay for rights to the name. The main profits are still going to a local person in the community
yes it is even tho they have more street wear clothing they still provide everything you need for skaters, imo people say its a poser shop because one person said it and its gotten passed around. ive gotten my first board there and it works fine tho im very intermediate.
So yes my intro into looking at skateboards was Zumiez. It sells everything you need as an entry level skateboarder. When I took my girlfriend in once I was able to explain to her the different shapes of both longbaords and regular skateboards, because they had the stock. So definitely helpful overall. Sure they do have streetwear stuff and that isn't something I'd buy, but if I really wanted a certain graphic or board, I won't mind buying one there.
What's great about Zumiez is it can introduce a bunch of new people into skateboarding, though when it comes time, you should shop at your local first (if possible)
Yup
I go local for grip tape, accessories, wax, bearings, but the variety of decks corporate companies has, is unbeatable.
Where I’m from there are no local skate shops so I’m having to drive 45 min outta my way to go to zumiez to buy a board and gear. Plus zumiez has high quality hardware gear like other skate shops. Yes, it’s corporate and mainstream but still a skate shop
I believe Zumiez is a skate shop, yes. Will I look over and drive around a couple hours checking my local shops for what I want first. Absolutely. End of day, when building a board, picking out an outfit that I feel comfortable in, or picking up something I need/want… if I end up at Zumiez and find what I want, I get it.
To expand, want my local shops to succeed, so I grab their stickers, try to support them. That’s why they are first on the list of stops. Zumiez isn’t going anywhere, so I try them last. With what I shop for, I like matching(clothes to board and those to my current mood) and comfort fit. It helps me feel better about pushing further knowing I’m gonna eat it trying to learn or improve. Whatever puts me in the mood to get on and going.
Zumiez is definitely a skate shop!
I bought my first deck there, they built it, set it up from custom parts I brought in. The girl did a fantastic job building my board.
I’m still skating to this day.
Zumiez, 100% skate shop 👍
I just started skateboarding again after years of innactivity and i have to thanks Zumies for that so i don't understand the whole "poser" trend that some people are blaming on new skateboarders
It’s really very stupid, to keep a sport going you always need new people learning
I think the fact that they don't just sell assembled skateboards, but components and they assembly them makes it a skateshop. They don't have as much as most local skateshops, but then again I been to some small local ones that didn't have much selection either. Now the feel of a corporate skateshop is definitely different then a non- corporate skate shop for sure. Basically just a different type of skate shop I guess is what I would say.
If you bought anything for a skateboard there or they help set up boards. They are a skate shop. Any place that helps get people a board and out the door is viable. I wish I had local stores I only had a Zumiez to buy my first board from but that's so I could have more options. Now after browsing UA-cam I've found so much more to just order online.
For me zumez is at the mall and I got my first board there when I was 12 which was a 8.0 board, and funny thing is when I searched up how to skateboard braille popped up and that’s how I learned.
Aside from selling skateboards and stuff. Zumiez is also one of those shops that helps skaters find something to wear on their daily sesh. The owner really is an entrepreneur, the mixture really blends for me.
When i was a kid my first skateboard was a 30 dollar Wal-Mart board. I didn't even know what a Zumies was then. But after my parents took me there for a new birthday board i was kinda hooked on Zumies because it was the only skate shop place i knew of. Id consider it a skate shop even though its corporate, it got me hella into skating.
Dude everything about skateboarding now is corporate. Hate to break it to you.
Any store that promotes and helps other get interested and involved into any type of physical sport, activity or hobby should be respected and encouraged ....irrespective of their commercial size, scale, remit and agenda's.
Some will always like to help support small locally run outlets while others like the convenience and discounts of bigger chain stores.....There's actually not right or wrong..but typically there will always be plenty of people who like to judge and dismiss things and others....no matter what they do.
Can't believe I missed Braille come through Albuquerque. I'm forever sad
100% a skate shop. I live in the middle of nowhere and Zumiez is the closest place to me to get anything for my board. It’s an hour drive to the closest “local” shop while Zumiez is 30 minutes and always has what I need to keep riding.
I don't normally go to zumies for skate gear, i go to alot of local shops. But they were open at the mall late and had the wheels i needed to complete my new board so they came in clutch. They even had decent prices on their long boards, you could get a full comlete for $150 which is a great deal in my eyes. They had decks for $50 bucks and you could compete them for $85 as advertised, i spent more than 135 on just the trucks and wheels for my new deck
Took up skating recently, got my board at Zumies. I've never seen a local shop around my way. This is all that's available in my area.
Same where I grew up
As a person who lives in rural America, Zumiez is the only shop that’s close. It’s not a poser it’s about giving us in the country the opportunity to skate as well because the skate scene in the country is near none existent.
I loved getting things from zumies back in the day.. I loved how I could set my board up right there. and I definitely wasn't no poser. if you want to be a hater then don't buy from Zumies. we need to stop gate keeping and just accept anyone and everyone who wants to be down with skateboarding
Definitely a real skate shop. Its corporate and some of the clientele is a bit cringey and poserish, but I got a lot of great stuff at zumiez when I skated. They usually have a decent selection of everything you’d need or want, and they’re fairly accessible. Where I live, local skate shops are few and far between but there’s always a mall with a zumiez somewhere.