Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Moore.
Hi Nick, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Nick Moore. I own and operate a skate shop in Chattanooga, TN, called Cassette. I fell in love with skateboarding in 1996 at the age of 10. I had a few sponsors, made a few skate videos, and started a few brands with my friends. I got my actual start in the skateboarding industry in 2014 as a sub-sales rep and later worked my way up to making sales for a handful of independently owned skateboard brands. I opened Cassette in 2023 to support and grow our skating community. We will celebrate 2 years this November, and I’m overjoyed with the love this community has shown me and the shop.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can’t say it has been a “smooth road’, but I think it has gone pretty well despite never having a brick-and-mortar before. I never claim to be a “businessman,” nor do I have an education or degree in business. I’m learning things as I go and trying to manage bumps in the road the best I can. My biggest struggle was being a new shop and everything that came with that. I had no idea what I was doing (and still don’t claim to) or how the community would respond, and I had a lot of self-doubt, second-guessing, and quite a few hard conversations. Most of my struggles were internal, but with time and experience, I’ve learned how to manage them better.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your business.
I feel like Cassette was born out of necessity. Chattanooga’s skate community was growing rapidly. There were so many new faces in the skate scene. I noticed how tight-knit this community was becoming. There was a lot of camaraderie; everyone supported one another and hung out together outside of skating; there was a hot and welcoming community brewing. Someone needed to step up and work towards facilitating that growth positively. Every skate shop/ shop owner should contact the community they serve. There was a long period where Chattanooga would have one, maybe two, events a year that needed to change in my eyes. The locals wanted and deserved more skate-related events. Cassette gave me a platform to make that happen. Sure, a shop is a place to buy skate gear, but it can be so much more than that. I set out to make Cassette a cultural hub to create a welcoming atmosphere where the community would feel at home. It’s important to me that everyone, regardless of skill level, background, or identity, feels like they can come here and feel welcomed, seen, heard, and respected. These principles are what make cassettes so unique. Not only have we created a cozy and warm space, but we also show up with a lot of love and encouragement.
I’m most proud of how the community responds to what we set out to accomplish. It’s a great feeling to hold events that bring people together. Seeing the locals interact with one another, smile, laugh, and genuinely connect is the most incredible feeling. I can only hope that these events make a mark on the hearts of this community and give them great memories to reflect on one day.
To anyone reading this article, I want to let you know that when you walk into Cassette, you can feel confident you will be met with hospitality. We will happily answer any questions you may have. You’re also welcome to hang out, watch skate videos, browse a magazine, etc.; this place is for you to enjoy.
How do you think about luck?
Sometimes, I think, “If I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck.” Looking at the bigger picture, I’m lucky. When I was initially looking for a location, there were only a few options within my budget. I wanted to be as close to the skatepark as possible while maintaining distance from other local skate retailers. We came to look at our current space the same day the “For Lease” sign was put in the window. We were able to lease the building before it ever hit the market. The location serves us well, and luck played a part: the right place and time. I lean towards the “people create their own luck” ethos nowadays. I maintain good relationships with people who can help make connections, not strictly as a business tactic but more for my values as a human. I’ve had over a few people help me get accounts, and I could not have gotten them alone. I feel very “lucky” to know and connect with these individuals, which translates more towards gratitude.
Pricing:
- complete skateboards starting at $110
- Shoes as low as $40
- Helmets/ Pads starting at $50
- Free assembly
- Free repairs
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cassetteskateshop.com
- Instagram: @cassette_skateshop
Image Credits
Photos @Our_ampersand_photo
