Why Route 44 is the pro’s skate shop

Website design By BotEap.comRoute 44 has kept the San Diego skate scene alive for the past 10 years. No matter who you are or what your name is, when you walk into the store, you will be treated the same. The best part about this store is how diverse it is, regardless of whether you skate on the street, in pools, like hip-hop or grindcore. In my opinion, Matt Owen has started a completely different skate scene in San Diego. Just start counting all the children you see representing Route 44 t-shirts and stickers. It’s hard to go anywhere in the greater San Diego area without seeing a child representing Route 44. Route 44 was able to accomplish something. that big chain stores like Active couldn’t pull off. And that is, Route 44 was able to build a loyal following of skaters who will not buy products from any other skate store. Most important of all, this store is not owned by a rich guy trying to make money off a fad or exploiting families. If you’re ever in San Diego, stop by and say hi. In this interview we are going to talk to Route 44 owner Matt Owen.

Website design By BotEap.comWhy the name “Route 44” and where was the first store location?

Website design By BotEap.comThe first location was 5355 Napa Street in lower Linda Vista. The name was of the route of the bus that went up and down Linda Vista Highway.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat made you want to open a skate shop?

Website design By BotEap.comAt that time there was not a store in the city that offered skateboards of all shapes and styles. At the time, the widest boards weren’t that easy to find, but we got what we could to offer some variety. A lot of older guys would come in and ask for wider boards and we were the only shop in town that could meet their requirements.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat did you do before starting a skate shop?

Website design By BotEap.comI washed dishes, changed tires, skated, played music, and worked for the city school district.

Website design By BotEap.comWhy did Route 44 have to move from Morena Street to India Street??

Website design By BotEap.comBecause San Diego needed one more Starbucks / Jamba Juice, with condos on top. This is called redevelopment, I think. The first location was shot down.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat happened to the Indian street store?

Website design By BotEap.comAfter about 3 years on India Street, the upstairs neighbors had a fire. A total loss, except Mikeys’s boards were saved. The second location was shot down.

Website design By BotEap.comRoute 44 also keeps logs, how did it get started and how does it work?

Website design By BotEap.comWe sold records from day one. (most of mine to help the cause) We now buy, sell and trade records. There is a lot of vinyl now than in 1999 when we opened. Another prediction went wrong, the vinyl is out of date.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Route 44 team is indestructible and made up of so many skaters, what do you think of the team?

Website design By BotEap.comI think of the team as a family, working for the cause to keep as many people skating as possible.

Website design By BotEap.comIs there a possibility of having a second Route 44?

Website design By BotEap.comIf the economy improves. We will consider a second store.

Website design By BotEap.comLately it seems that Route has had a huge following with all these groms. Do you think the store influences them or do they influence the store??

Website design By BotEap.comHesh Groms? I think these kids like a lot of skateboarding that never went away, but it definitely wasn’t as accepted as it is again. We are lucky to carry things from Terror, Dropout, American Skates, Jivaro, Scum, etc. These guys help keep these companies going. We just want to offer a place where you can feel comfortable no matter what style of skateboarding and what music you like.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat does the future hold?

Website design By BotEap.comWe are working on a video of the store.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen it comes to sponsorship, would you rather see someone at the skatepark or submit a sponsor video?

Website design By BotEap.comIt depends, both are great. I am not the best judge, so after an extensive selection process, we will contact you.

Website design By BotEap.comAny thanks or thanks to the people who have supported the store?

Website design By BotEap.comToo many, but I thank everyone who does, has, or will.

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