Location: Portland, OR
www.usoutdoorstore.com

Since 1957, The US Outdoor Store has been committed to providing top notch gear that supports a particular lifestyle. A progressive & active lifestyle that includes traveling along with snow, water and land sports as the core of the whole dream. Providing the citizens of Portland with everything from an endless product selection to hosting movie premiers and rail jams, US Outdoor has been and will continue to be the dominant retail outlet for the greater Portland area.

686’s Northwest Sales Rep Jeff Clark recently swung in and hit the boys from US Outdoor with a quick Q&A with hopes of digging up some dirt on the inner workings of their shop.

read more…

Owner/Manager: Eric Kuester
Location: Milwaukee WI & Delafield WI
Moda3.com

In five short years, Moda3 has become a household name in the snowboard retail game. Five years before most snowboard retailers had even heard the term “streetwear”, Eric and his small crew were already neck deep into this culture on levels most couldn’t even imagine. From sneakers to legit street art / artists, brands before they were “cool” and even imported vinyl toys from countries like Japan, these guys were on to “it” light years ahead of anyone else. With a staff full of die hard shredders and sneaker heads, Moda3 is definitely not your average snowboard shop!

-Scott Ladwig, Midwest 686 sales agent

read more…

Mission Snow and Skate is one of the leading snowboard, skateboard and BMX shops in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Our awesome Western Canadian Rep Chris Leigh caught up with Matt Singer, the owner of Mission to chat about his love for the action sports lifestyle and his favorite brand, 686. Matt lays it all out, everything from his thoughts on 686 to what its like working on the retail end of the industry spectrum. Enjoy!

Q: What is the best thing about selling action sports ware?
A: The best thing about it is being surrounded by everything I love to do all day. The people I talk to have a common interest and we can all relate on a level regardless of age.

Q: What is the worst?
A: There really isn’t a worst. I guess it could be that the heart of the season happens when I am the busiest, but I still find time to enjoy the season.

Q: What is your best learning experience being in action sports retail?
A: That’s a tough one. There are a lot of learning experiences. I actually think that the last 12 months has taught me a lot. I now realize that this is a business and its not all shits and giggles with friends.

Q: How long have you been carrying 686 outerwear?
A: You can probably answer that better than I can. About nine years?

Q: What are your thoughts on 686 as a brand?
A: I love it. It appeals to everyone without being diluted. Mom is happy with the quality and warmth, Little Johnny is happy with his steez, and Joe hardcore gets all the performance he needs. What more could you ask for?

Q: If you could change anything about the line, what would it be?
A: Off the top of my head I really can’t think of anything. I know when I am first presented the line I notice some real awesome stuff and a few things I’m not excited about but that’s just for my area so I’m sure that there are times that my demographic is totally different from another.

Q: What are your plans for your shop during this tough economic climate
A: We are investing in our staff and tightening up our programs to offer maybe a little smaller collection but still the best service and advice.

Q: Anything you would do differently?
A: No I’m still having fun.

Q: If you could do anything in the world, other than running an action sports shop, what would it be?
A: Retired!!!!

686 Rockies Sales Superstar Rep Dave Graves recently stopped by BC Surf & Sport in Boulder, Colorado to hang out with the crew and hear more information about their gigantic annual Swap Sale. While there he sat down with the BC guys and asked them to give up the dirt on 686 and also learn some of the history of the shop.

Dave: How long has BC Surf & Sport been around?
BC: The original store opened in Florida in 1977. We opened our first Colorado Store in 1986.

Dave: So how many shops do you have now and where are they located?
BC: We now have 14 locations ranging from our original location in Florida to Georgia, Nebraska, Colorado and Utah all the way up to Washington.

Dave: How long has BC sold 686 apparel?
BC: 686 has been a staple outerwear brand in our stores for a while. We’ve sold 686 close to 10 years now.

Dave: What do you like best about the 686 brand?
BC: Great value for a great price. Most of our customers really appreciate the removable liners in the Smarty pieces.

Dave: Tell us about your annual sale?
BC: The Swap is a sale we run every year at the beginning of the season at our flagship store in Colorado. We use this event to introduce our customers to the new seasons’ offerings, clear out last year’s leftovers, and get everybody excited about getting back out on the mountain. This year we are holding our Swap August 21-23.

Dave: What makes BC Surf & Sport different from the rest?
BC: I can’t speak for the rest. Our emphasis here has always been on trying to make sure we offer the best selection and service we can. If you do that consistently, you should have a healthy business regardless of what your competition is doing.

Dave: If you were stranded at the North Pole and could have any 686 item with you what would it be?
BC: That would have to be the full Smarty 2.5-ply Complete kit, top to bottom.

Click here to check out BC Surf & Sport

Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Age: N/A
Occupation: Photographer

My name is Marc Lemoine and I was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and currently I reside in Los Angeles, California, United States of America. Every job I have ever loved, began with me working for free. Making magnets, making t-shirts, making jokes, thinking about attempting a flip turn while swimming laps, playing basketball, listening to Cap ‘n’ Jazz, walking, public transportation, sending mail, friends, family, traveling, and taking pictures. I love taking pictures. I take pictures that sometimes end up being used as an advertisement, wind up in a magazine or book, on an album cover and even in a frame on a grandma’s wall.

www.marclemoine.com