On a bustling Baltimore City intersection, orange lights illuminate a large metal “3”above window displays showcasing skateboards, snowboards, clothing and shoes, welcome to 3rideshop.
3rideshop, which is commonly referred to simply as “3”, has been in business for over 10 years, providing the latest in skate and snow equipment to riders in the Baltimore area.
The store’s founder and current owner Carrington Sydnor, loves the strong sense of community he believes his store provides for its customers and team riders, saying it is what sets the store apart from the chain and mall stores.
“If you love to skateboard and snowboard, this is where you come to share what you love,” said Sydnor. “It’s an energy that develops from being around people with a shared passion.”
Sydnor believes the industry and product knowledge him and his employees bring to the retail market truly makes them stand out.
“This passion can not be nurtured in a chain, mall, box store. It withers in the hands of people that have no knowledge of the product that they are selling or the industry where it came.”
Sydnor first opened 3rideshop’s doors in 2001 in Timonium, Md., but after many years at that location, he believed there was a need for change.
Desiring to be closer to the Baltimore City skate scene, as well as be in an area that would increase foot traffic, Sydnor set up shop on York Road in Baltimore, across from the well-known local shopping center, Belvedere Square.
Once the store settled into its new location, Sydnor began to increase his concentration on establishing the snow market in the area as well as bringing more shop branded merchandise to the store.
Sydnor said customer response has been very positive towards the store branded products especially with the local sports teams and local skate spot inspired designs.
A recent series of skateboard graphics included photography of local skate spots such as the monument, commonly referred to as the “Lyric”, located near the Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric.
“I love how the [deck] graphic changes all the time,” said local skateboarder and frequent customer Pete Senft. “Weather it’s the Orioles stub ticket themes, the graphic of the Lyric, or just straight script lettering, I dig them all.”
According to Sydnor, the marketing for the store relies heavily on the branded products, social media, shop sponsored events and the team riders showcasing their skills on the streets and mountains.
Former assistant manager and current snow team rider Sam Cosby, who has worked in several skateboard and snowboard stores in Maryland as well as one store in Bozeman, Mont., believes that 3rideshop is unique for how Sydnor gives employees and team riders responsibility in the store.
“[Sydnor] has been in the action sports industry for almost all of his life,” said Cosby. “He knows when he can give his employees responsibility for things they want to take control over.
“I personally am much more involved in the snowboard team with getting people out and filming [videos] for the shop … No other shop has been so supportive of their riders.”
Sydnor, who said the community aspect of the store really makes it unique, also spoke of his personal passion for the industry.
“This is what I want to do,” said Sydnor. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to say that for so long.
“I like the freedom the shop has afforded me. The freedom to represent premium products that impact the industry, the economy, the community and the environment in the most positive ways possible.”