Interview with Westside Skates

Westside Skates is a local skateboard shop located at 14047 Madison Ave. The Lakewood Times interviewed shop owner Brian Jules, asking him all about Westside Skates so that potential buyers would know what it’s all about.

Let’s start from the very beginning, on November 17, 1995, when they began their mission to “Provide a cool and unique retail space that offers the best skateboarding products,” according to Jules. He decided to start a skateboarding business because “that’s what I knew growing up and Cleveland didn’t have a dedicated 100% skate shop at the time.” The name Westside Skates comes from the fact that Jules “grew up on the west side and most of the skating spots were on the west side, so that was [meant] be.” The Westside Skates location was chosen because “Lakewood was a destination when I was younger and our store is conveniently located off the highway.”

Running a skateboard store is a unique business venture, and Jules says that “day in and day out, it’s all about making products available to consumers. To a large extent, you have to be aware of what’s hot and what’s not.” Jules’ goal for Westside Skate is “To be at the forefront of skateboard/knowledge retail for our local skateboarding community.” Westside Skates Atmosphere for Workers “Very laid-back, open and alternative!” by Jules.

When asked where he sees the Westside Skates in three years, Jules replied: “In the same place and in the same place – having the most unique and knowledgeable place for a skateboarder’s needs.”

While owning a skateboard shop is cool, it comes with its own challenges. “Today’s world of retail is always a tough job. Corporation technology in the field of Internet advertising and marketing is our No. 1 task. Today’s shoppers get information through their phones, making it difficult for small retailers like us to reach customers. Online shopping has become an instant gratification for consumers compared to the support of local retail,” says Jules.

Whether you’re looking for a good local skate shop to start your skating journey, if you’re a pro looking for a new board, or just looking for a new pair of cool boots, Westside Skates is the place to be!