Skateshop Hammerschmid
Skateshop Hammerschmid is a small family run independant shop. They started trading in 1919 and is now run by the founders grandchildren. The location is idilic, set next to a lake.
What particular product has been the best seller? What’s working and what isn’t?
Naketano Hoodies are selling well. Softgoods are always easier. Within our hardware range Bones Wheels, Independent Trux and Libtech Snowboards are selling best.
What is your best selling accessory category?
Beanies and caps
What are the benefits of having a physical shop over simply having an online store?
Our occupation is talking and dealing directly with people. We just enjoy that and their different characteristics. We wouldn´t like to work in front of a monitor most of the time, caring about statistics.
What makes your store different and in what ways does your store excel beyond your competition?
Our shop is very small and personal. We offer a wide range of styles. From trendy to sporty to alternative. From fashionable to classic skatestyle. Our customers appreciate our honest and competent sales advice. – Gmunden is a small town, so we rely on them to come back!
What trends do you see upcoming?
People try to look smart and well situated. Girls dress very feminine and elegant. They love solid, dark colors and flattering cuts. Not too sporty or avant-garde. Flat and/or new era caps in all different ways. Skate and Snowboarding is experiencing an upswing. Especially young kids think that life on a board is much cooler. Real sustainability is getting more and more important.
What kind of advice can you give other independent retailers who are trying to compete against the big megastores?
Focus on yourself, your shop and your target group. Do your customers feel comfortable? Find the right balance between mainstream labels and small independent brands.
Which up and coming brands do you hope to stock in the future?
We are very happy about our brand mix, but we are always looking for new sustainable stylish brands.
What are you doing to pull people into your store?
We provide them, what they are looking for. … As far as we can.
What have been the best three selling categories for you in the last 12 months?
Skateboardshoes, men streetwear and women streetwear
Please tell us of any upcoming initiatives your shop has planned? (events, signings, re-vamps etc…)
In August our annual Skateboard contest will take place. It´s a fine contest on a popular street skate spot right at the lake for the local riders. During the summer season we offer weekly Skateboard workshops in our own skateboard hall. In January we will go on our yearly Shop snowboard trip. And we support the local snowboard club.
