Shop Profiles
Sliders Profile
Tell us a little bit about your shop and its history in the shred scene.
The shop is located in an old Victorian building that dates back to the 1800’s. It was one of the first buildings built in Colden. Colden is a small ski town 20 minutes south of Buffalo, NY. We are smack dab in between two ski areas on our road with another big resort 40 minutes away. The shredding here is great when we get the historic lake effect snow machine going. There’s not much vertical so the park scene is where it’s at. The place is full of young talent and most ride over 80 days a year.
What makes your shop different then all the others?
We are a small shop and know most of our customers. Let’s face it, most shops are selling the same kind of stuff so the service is where you need to shine. We take the extra step and appreciate the business we get. It’s not about quantity but all about quality. Since we are right down the street from two areas, we ride all of the time. People call the shop to find out the latest conditions and what wax to be using. We demo lots of gear to prevent buyer’s remorse and give folks an opportunity to try before they buy; especially now with all of the camber stories going on.
Do you have the “couch vibe” or is it more about the product? What is the vibe in general?
I think we have both. People do come to hang and chat about gear and watch videos. Mostly they come to buy stuff and check out what’s new. We have become the key place for hard goods lately so that’s where we focus the layout and theme of the shop.
Does your shop carry skate and surf or is it all snow? Briefly describe what we can find on the shelves.
From September till March we are a snow shop. We finally had to cave and start carrying skis about 3 years ago. Up till that point we were primarily snowboards. We carry a small selection of outerwear, accessories and videos but really kill it with hardggods, service and rentals. Over the past 10 years, we have evolved and now have summer hours for bike business. We offer a full service bike shop with a focus on mountain bikes. We sell and rent bikes and have a network of trails right down the road.
What are three things it takes to work in the store?
- Outgoing personality
- Creative thinker
- Must ride at least 25 days a season.
If it’s a hammering snow day and some of the best pow ever, what do you do to keep employees in the store?
Nothing. We don’t open till noon so we get morning freshies all of the time. Being so close to Buffalo, there are a lot of school groups and conditions are usually beat by the afternoon.
Describe your crew that works there.
Well it changes from year to year but the core of the group starts with me. I’ve been riding since 1987-88. Opened the store as a side gig back in 2003 and now work it full time. Next you have Melvin aka Mellville, he’s been at the shop for 7 years. He works up in the terrain park during the day and in the shop at night. Big Al joined us last year and brought video editing, graphic design and screen printing capabilities to the table. First thing he did was directed some YouTube commercials for the shop. They are a riot.
What is the most played shred flick in the history of the shop and why?
Hate to say it but it has to be: That’s it, That’s all. Great footage, great music and most people passing through identify it.
Who are some riders on the come-up that visit your shop... a rider people should look out for?
Some of the young locals are killing it for sure. Freddy Maybach, Scott Emke and the rest of their crew are setting the bar pretty high these days. You can check them out in our shop video: Uneventful.
Where is the shop local hang out? The best place to grab a drink after hours, or chill with some friends?
No doubt that would be the Colden Inn. They have Great food, Taco Tuesday featuring the deep fried taco and 16 beers on tap. Live music on the weekends and did I mention, it’s right next door to the shop?
If the Rome crew came through would you be cautious to let them in or does the reputation surpass them?
Shit, we would welcome them in anytime and probably scare them with our local high jinx like toboggan races down our road. After a good dump we strap a toboggan behind a vehicle and rip down the road at 35mph.