Route 44 has been keeping the San Diego skate scene alive for the past 10 years. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your name is, when you walk into the store you will be treated the same. The best part of this store is how diverse it is, no matter if you skate in the streets, in the pools, like hip-hop or grindcore. In my opinion, Matt Owen has started a completely different skate scene in San Diego. Just start counting all the kids you see representing Route 44 t-shirts and stickers. It’s hard to go anywhere in the greater San Diego area without seeing a kid representing Route 44. Route 44 was able to accomplish something the big chain stores like Active couldn’t pull it off. And it is that Route 44 was able to generate a loyal following of skaters who will not buy products from any other skate shop. Most important of all, this store is not owned by some rich guy trying to make money off a fad or exploit families. If you’re ever in San Diego, stop by and say hi. In this interview we are going to speak with the owner of Route 44 Matt Owen.
Why the name “Route 44” and where was the first location of the store?
The first location was 5355 Napa Street in lower Linda Vista. The name was from the bus route up and down Linda Vista street.
What made you want to open a skate shop?
At that time there was not a store in town that offered skateboards of all shapes and styles. At the time, wider boards weren’t as easy to find, but we got what we could to offer some variety. Lots of older guys would come in and ask for wider boards and we were the only shop in town that could accommodate their requirements.
What did you do before setting up a skate shop?
I washed dishes, changed tires, skated, played music, and worked for the city school district.
Why did Route 44 have to go from Morena street to India street??
Because San Diego needed one more Starbucks/Jamba Juice, with condos on top. This is called redevelopment, I think. The first location was torn down.
What happened to the store on India street?
After about 3 years on India Street, the upstairs neighbors had a fire. A total loss, except Mikeys’ boards were saved. The second location was torn down.
Route 44 also keeps records, how did that start and how does it work?
We’ve been selling records since day one. (most of mine to help the cause) Now we buy, sell and trade records. There’s a lot more vinyl now than there was in 1999 when we opened. Another prediction gone wrong, vinyl became obsolete.
The Route 44 team is indestructible and made up of so many skaters, what do you think of the team?
I think of the team as a family, working for the cause to keep as many people skating as possible.
Is there a possibility of having a second Route 44?
If the economy improves. We will consider a second store.
Lately it seems like Route has had quite a following with all these hesh groms. Do you think the store influences them or do they influence the store??
Hesh Grom? I think these guys are so into skateboarding that it never went away, but it definitely wasn’t as accepted as it is now. We are lucky enough to carry stuff from Terror, Dropout, American Skates, Jivaro, Scum, etc. These kids help keep these businesses running. We just want to offer a place where you can feel comfortable no matter what style of skate and music you like.
What does the future hold?
We are working on a video of the store.
When it comes to sponsorship, would you rather watch someone rock the skatepark or send me a sponsorship video?
Depends, they’re both great. I’m not the best judge, so after an extensive selection process, we will contact you.
Any thanks or thanks to the people who have supported the store?
Too many, but I thank all those who do it, or have done it, or will do it.