Just Chill Skate Shop
122 E. 157th/ Gerard Ave.
Bronx, NY 10451
347-234-2747
justchillskateshop.com
This 400 square foot shop was founded in June 2010 and has since carved out a space in the skate community, opening its doors at the same time as a local skate park down the street. Located in the heart of South Bronx, Just Chill’s owner Ben Montalvo initially started working on what he calls a “similar project” with a business partner two years ago, but when that fizzled, he continued to work on plans to create a space for skaters in the Bronx community. While the shop is small, Montalvo has set aside a large portion of floor space as a backroom where he creates and presses his own T-shirt graphics, with plans to drop the first line of his Just Chill Collection this Spring of 2011.
Do you have an online store? We currently have a blog. However, as soon as the Just Chill Collection is released, our limited series will be available to be purchased online.
What percentage of inventory is dedicated to hardgoods? We carry an even amount of skate goods and apparel.
What are your top three most profitable product categories? I find that sneakers have the best profitable income but only with a strong investment. As a 20-year-old, born and raised in the Bronx, I’m very limited to how much is in inventory. Just Chill was started as more then just a retail space but an organization to support skateboarding in the Bronx and also keep our youth in a positive path where they can focus on more important things in life and get motivated to start projects on their own with inspirational guidance from within Just Chill. Here at the shop I have created a networking base for every talented person to find others that can help each other.
What has been the single best-selling brand over the past six months? Just Chill is fortunate to have been founded in the BRONX NY where the connections between some of the most prestigious brands, from 5Boro, Shut Skateboards to Zoo York are very strong and all sell at an even rate. Surprisingly the support of newer brands that we carry such as Nolte, Bambusa Skateboards, Watermelon and The Rat Collective ( Initiative For Skateboarding in the Dominican Republic) have been calling attention to themselves which is a great thing to see.
Who are the top three reps that service your store and what makes them special? Franky at South Shore, Ben at Zoo York, and Melissa at 5Borro. Each have their own characteristics, however, some quality traits that they share are great customer service, always keeping their relations updated with any info that may apply to them and being humble people. They definitely keep your interest!
What is your overall impression of the local market over the past six months? If money can be saved when purchasing a skateboard, product to keep hydrated through out the day in order to skate, then you’ll make your sale. Don’t over price—keep product moving.
What store (or multiple stores) are your closest competition? In the past year, three Bronx shops have opened with fair distance between each. I see them as encouragement more then competitors. We all work closely with each other to make the Bronx Skate scene more poppin’. The ultimate goal is to spread the skateboarding love. Heaven Bound Indigenous Mosaic
Is your shop working closer with any particular brands? Yes, stay tuned for those updates! “We be steady grindin’ b!”
What are some things brands are doing to work with your shop? Support the shop by purchasing here and getting their quality Silk Screening done!
