I think others can give personal stories and other reasons but the one that comes to mind is that they opened stores in towns where there were existing skateshops and slurped up all the customers meaning the homegrown SOS stores closed down. But they have diluted stock and sell all kinds of crap and don’t really have any knowledge in the shops about actual skateboarding.
Like walk in and ask which wheelbase would better suit your height, or why the similarity in truck geometry between Independent and ACE and you’ll be met with blank stares.
Don’t want to start a R1 debate but, how would someone who has no idea about skateboarding and just wants to get something semi decent to try out, know what is or isn’t a skater owned shop? Or care
Maybe the forum should have a sticky thread with a list of skater owned shops in different parts of the country and what to do if you’re new at/interested in skateboarding?
