Route 44 has been keeping the skate scene alive and well in San Diego for the past 10 years. No matter who you are or what your name is, when you enter the shop your going to get treated the same. The best part about this shop is how diverse it is, no matter if you skate street, pools, like hip-hop or grindcore. In my opinion Matt Owen has started a whole other skate scene in San Diego. Just start counting all the kids you see that rep Route 44 t-shirts and stickers. It' hard to go anywhere in the San Diego metropolitan area with out spotting a kid representing Route 44. Route 44 was able to accomplish something that large chain stores like Active were not been able to accomplish. And that is Route 44 was able to build a loyal following of skaters that will not buy product from any other skate shops. Most important of all this shop is not owned by some rich dude trying to make money off a fad or exploit families. If you are ever in the San Diego stop by and say hi. In this interview we are going to speak with the owner of route 44 Matt Owen.
Why the name " Route 44" and where was the first location of the shop ?
The first location was 5355 Napa street in lower Linda Vista. The name was from the bus route up and down Linda Vista road.
What made you want to start a skate shop ?
At the time there was not a shop in town that offered skateboards of all shapes and styles. At the time skateboarding tips boards weren't as 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 skateboarding tips shop in town that could meet their requirements.
What did you do before starting a skate shop ?
I washed dishes changed tires skated played music and worked for the city school district.
Why did Route 44 have to move from Morena street to India street?
Becuse San Diego needed one more Starbucks/ Jamba Juice, with condos on top of them. This is called re-development I think. The first location was torn down.
What happened to the shop on India street ?
After about 3 years on India street the upstairs neighbors had a fire. A total loss, except Mikeys boards were saved. The 2nd location was torn down.
Route 44 also carries records, how did that get started and how does it work?
We've sold records from day one. ( most of my own to help the cause) Now we buy, sell and trade records. There's a lot vinyl now then there was in 1999 when we opened. Another prediction gone wrong, vinyl being obsolete.
The Route 44 team is indestructible and consist of so many skaters, what are your thoughts on the team ?
I think of the team as a family, Working for the cause to keep as many people skating as possible.
Is there a possibility of having a second Route 44 ?
If the economy gets better. We will consider a second shop.
Lately it seems like Route has had a huge following with all these hesh groms, Do you think the shop has an influence on them or do they influence the shop?
Hesh Groms? I think that these kids are into a great part of skateboarding that never left, but definitely wasn't as accepted as it is again. We happen to be lucky to carry stuff from Terror, Dropout, Patines Americanos, Jivaro, Scum, etc. These kids help to keep these companies gong. We just want to offer a place where you can feel comfortable no matter what style of skateboarding and music you are into.
What is in store for the future ?
We are working a shop video.
When it comes to sponsorship would you rather see someone ripping at the skatepark or send in a sponsor me video ?
It depends, both are cool I'm not the best judge, so after an extensive screening process we'll get back to you.
Any thanks or shout outs to people that have supported the shop?
Too many, but I thank everyone that does, or has, or that will.
Check out http://www.typicalculture.com for the inside scoop on the culture of skateboarding.
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