'Two old friends who grew up 3,000 miles apart loving skateboarding and music and spending much of their formative youth dreaming of the world just past their town’s boarders thanks to the images were shared in the magazines found in their local shops, Surf Styles in Mission Viejo, CA and Ollie Pops, (Now called Pro Skateshop) in Howell, NJ. Scotty pursued a life dedicated to music while Chris dedicated his to skateboarding, ultimately opening NJ Skateshop in 2003 with his two childhood friends, Steve Lenardo and Troy Jankowski. The most beautiful part is there is a collective of skate shop owners from all over the world that will help steer Skate Shop Day so that it can be as impactful and inspiring as possible.' -states Board Retailers Association

What is Skate Shop Day?

Skateshopday.com states - 'Skate shops have always been the cornerstone of skate communities around the globe. Hard-working skate shop owners have tirelessly helped nurture and grow skateboarding to the massive size it is today. As a skate shop owner in NJ for 18 years, with my partner Steve Lenardo, I know all too well how shitty February can be for many shops. Many of us kiss skaters goodbye at Christmas and hope and pray the beaver falls off the wagon on Ground Hog’s Day, and that winter ends early. 

In an attempt to help make the register ring for shops in that window in February, my friend, Scotty Coats, and I created and celebrated, along with many others, the first-ever Skate Shop Day on February 19th, 2020. Skate Shop Day is meant to be the time when the skateboarding community celebrates our cultural hubs. The foundations of every skate scene. The places that bring skaters together and act as the glue for skateboarding as we know it. Skate Shop Day hopes to help get skaters INTO the shops, to Show Love to the unsung heroes that do so much for skating all year round; The men and women that float you a bearing, throw in free grip, and always act as ear or shoulder for any skater. We appreciate all you do for skateboarding. Big Love to all of you for your years of service, holding down your skate scene. Welcome to the Shop Keepers Union.

Happy Skate Shop Day. - Chris Nieratko'