Upstarts: Vu Skate Shop

adamsullivan

• November 04 2008
• 1,389 views
• 6 comments

AS REPORTED IN OCTOBER TRANSWORLD BUSINESS:

Vu Skate Shop
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Established: June, 2008

The downturn in the economy and threats of big box, chain, online, and company direct sales aren’t daunting the spirits of independent retailers. Hoodlum pro Gary Smith and business partner Chris Donmoyer opened Vu Skate Shop on June 7, 2008.

It’s pronounced “View,” and Smith says it’s indicative of their own take on what a skate shop should be. “We’re skater-owned and -operated,” he says. “We wanted to do something different. We were gonna call it ‘Perception,’ but that’s too long.” To help launch the shop, Smith and company made a video and called it Perception, and held the premiere at the shop on its opening night.

“We want this shop to make a difference,” continues Smith. “You know, help build a scene.” And keep in mind the shop’s in Baltimore, where heroin is almost as easy to find as hamburgers. HBO’s The Wire paints a grisly picture of how bad it can be. “It’s not that sketchy where our shop is,” says Smith. “It’s right down the street from my house. But the road that the shop is on leads into downtown.”

Granted it’s only been a few months, but Smith says their shop boards move pretty well: “Alien Workshop boards, too.” Vu sells shop boards for $34.99, and pro models for $47.99. And no, they don’t sell blanks. Another draw is the indoor mini ramp. It’s a mellow three-foot that kids can shred all day, so long as they sign a waiver.

In the future, Smith thinks they will open up to sell online—January ’09 is the goal—but for now you can check them out if you’re in town for an Orioles game, or get your hands on a copy of Perception. It’s got a part from East Coast legend Brian Tucci. What’s not to like?

Vu is located at 7118 Harford Road?Baltimore, Maryland 21234, and on the Web at vuskateboardshop.blogspot.com.