Shop Profiles

Civil Profile

Tell us a little bit about your shop and it’s history in the shred scene.

The shop is called CIVIL. Myself and Rob Asselin started it when we felt the need for a true skate/snow/lifestyle shop was lacking in Rhode Island. We both had many years of experience working for other stores/companies and thought our ideas and efforts were better off on our own. The name Civil came from our beliefs in how people should be treated when spending their money, as well as it’s a ode to when skaters/snowboarders were once considered rebels against society. Mainly to prove that WE ARE CIVIL people that love what we do just like others. The shred scene here is pretty strong for the little amount of snow and areas we have here. We only have one local “ hill”. Yawgoo valley. Its vertical is 250 I think… but the kids ride there everyday after school and set up rad features all the time..

What makes your shop different then all the others?

  • We don’t back PBR
  • No shakas allowed
  • We have been selling Rome since year one

Do you have the “couch vibe” or is it more about the product? What is the vibe in general?

I would say it’s a good in between. Pretty mellow vibe, everyone is welcome openly, but we don’t tolerate bullshit.

Does your shop carry skate and surf or is it all snow? Briefly describe what we can find on the shelves.

We carry skate as well. Our footwear selection is probably our biggest attribute and it’s what we put a ton of effort into. Our skate selection is vast with all the typical stuff you would want in a good skateshop, as well as a big mix of apparel.

What are three things it takes to work in the store?

Thick skin, skills, talent, a pulse, good looking lady friends, we haven’t figured it out yet….none of them last more than 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?

We don’t have pow days in Rhode Island.

Describe your crew that works there.

Zero to no attention span, creative, funny sometimes, below average listening skills, somewhat lazy, awful handwriting, somewhat hygienic but usually covered in cuts and bruises and some kind of stupid mustache and/or questionable tattoos, the same applies to how they talk to girls, but great group of guys though.-

What is the most played shred flick in the history of the shop and why?

It varies, there is no single one that plays the most. The soundtrack usually determines how long it will stay in the dvd player for…

Who are some riders on the come-up that visit your shop... a rider people should look out for?

  • Dylan Gamache
  • Mary Rand
  • Marcus Rand
  • Brian Skorupski

Where is the shop local hang out? The best place to grab a drink after hours, or chill with some friends?

Guido and most of the team hang out down south at O-Mist but the underage kids really like to go anywhere that will serve them.

If the Rome crew came through would you be cautious to let them in or does the reputation surpass them?

Oh yeah, they came by last summer… real party animals. They ate like 5 pizzas and hit the road. Watch out!