Owner Todd Huber explains the apparel licensing is nothing new, and has in fact been a part of the plan all along. “We’ve always wanted to expand beyond our building, he says, “so we’ve been licensing our name in several categories. We started with a few shirts in Macy’s, Taget and JC Penny’s, and after presenting our line to Wal Mart it was a really good fit. We came to them but they knew of us already.”
Huber says Wal Mart tested the line in a few stores last year, but by summer Skatelab apparel should be available in 1,750 stores. Shorts, backpacks, and other items are currently in development.
When asked if any Skatelab devotees were opposed to the licensing, Huber says: “Why would my customers give a shit? I think by now everyone knows it is almost impossible to build and keep a private indoor skatepark running and we have been doing it the right way for almost twelve years. I think my “core” customers know that all of our profits go right back into improving the skatepark so they will support it.”
In a recent Thrasher interview, Girl pro Mike Mo Capaldi offers his take. “They get to remake the park because of it,” he says. “Make it way better than it is now. They can sell out all they want; it’s just going to give me and my friends a way better place to skate now.” Capaldi grew up near the Skatelab, and honed his skills in the park.
“People instantly think dollar-signs,” Huber explains, “but if you know us—me and my partner Scott Radinsky—then you know it is not about the money. It’s about the skatepark, and always has been. Shit, I drive a rusty 1980 p200 Vespa everywhere.”
Tee shirts and hats sell for $7.50
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