Las Vegas! What you need to know!
Streetstyle Action:
Get ready for the grand kickoff of the new Streetstyle section! Danny Way is bringing in the Halfpipe from the X-Games and Olympics 2024 season. Pro skateboarders will be showing off their skills daily on both the street course and the vert ramp. Catch the daily cash for tricks and best trick demos while shopping for the best in skate fashion, equipment, and gear.
Cultivation Expertise:
If your state has legalized cannabis and you're looking to expand your offerings, head to the cultivation section. Danny Danko has assembled some of the best in the industry to help you stock your shelves with everything cultivation.
Stizzy Lounge:
Take a break and recharge at the Stizzy Lounge with a refreshing alcoholic beverage. This lounge is a fantastic hub for networking with other attendees.
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DannyWay
DannyDanko
Early Badge Pick-Up:
Avoid the opening day rush! Buyers can pick up their badge and bracelet early at two locations:
• Tuscany Hotel and Suites lobby
• Upstairs in the South lobby at the Convention Center
Pick-up dates and times: February 10th & 11th from 10 am to 4 pm.
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Register Now!
For more information, to register, and to see a full list of exhibitors, visit the CHAMPS Trade Show website at: www.champstradeshows.com
Who Should Attend?
This event is a must-attend for:
• Retailers
• Wholesalers
• Distributors
Anyone in the 420, smoke, vape, skate, and cannabis industries
Don't miss the biggest counterculture trade show of the year!
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
The whir of wheels on concrete, the satisfying click of a perfectly landed trick, the hazy exhale of a vape cloud – seemingly disparate worlds, yet increasingly intertwined. Skateboarding and counter-culture have always been close cousins, and today, that connection is manifesting in a fascinating retail crossover: the rise of skate shops embracing smoke and vape culture, and vice versa.
Why the Crossover Makes Sense
Shared Demographics:
Both skate and smoke shops cater to a similar demographic: young adults seeking alternative lifestyles, self-expression, and a sense of rebellion. This overlapping customer base creates natural cross-selling opportunities.
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Grinding Rails and Ripping Clouds:
The Skate Shop Smoke Shop Crossover
Complementary Products:
Skateboarding and smoking/ vaping often go hand-in-hand as social activities. A skater might grab a new deck and grip tape alongside rolling papers or a vape pen. Conversely, someone visiting a smoke shop might be drawn to a cool graphic tee or a sticker pack featuring skate brands.
Lifestyle Branding:
Both industries thrive on strong visual identities and brand loyalty. Collaborations between skate brands and smoke/vape companies feel authentic and create exciting product lines that resonate with both audiences.
How Skate Shops Can Integrate Smoke/Vape
Curated Selection:
Don't just stock any product. Offer a carefully chosen selection of high-quality vapes, smoking accessories, and alternative products like incense or aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy
Brand Alignment:
Partner with brands that reflect the skate shop's aesthetic and values. Look for companies with a focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community engagement.
Designated Space:
Create a dedicated section for smoke/vape products, separate from the main skate gear. This allows for focused browsing and caters to customers specifically seeking those items.
Knowledgeable Staff:
Train staff to be informed about the products offered, ensuring they can answer customer questions and provide responsible guidance.
How Smoke/Vape Shops Can Integrate Skate
Start
Small:
Begin with a selection of core skate items: decks, wheels, grip tape, bearings, and basic tools. Focus on popular brands and durable products.
Local Scene Support:
Stock decks and apparel from local skate shops and brands to foster community and attract skaters.
Create a Vibe:
Decorate the space with skate-inspired art, photography, and videos. Consider installing a mini ramp or rail for added appeal.
Community Building:
Host events like skate video premieres, art shows, or mini-competitions to draw in the skate crowd and create a hub for local skaters.
The Future of the Crossover
This trend is still emerging, but it holds immense potential. As the lines between these subcultures continue to blur, we can expect to see even more innovative collaborations, unique product offerings, and hybrid retail spaces that cater to the evolving needs and desires of this shared customer base.
Key Takeaways:
The crossover market between skate and smoke/vape shops is driven by shared demographics, complementary products, and lifestyle branding.
Successful integration requires careful product selection, brand alignment, dedicated space, and knowledgeable staff.
Embracing this trend can lead to increased revenue, expanded customer base, and stronger community engagement.
By understanding and catering to this growing crossover market, both skate shops and smoke/vape shops can tap into new opportunities and thrive in an ever-evolving retail landscape.
By Bernie Boulders
Yo, CHAMPS Trade Shows is stoked to announce a killer collab with the legendary Danny Way, pro skater and big air G.O.A.T.!
Way has been shredding vert since he was a grom, dropping into his first pro comp at just 15 years old. Dude was the youngest ever to snag a win, and that was just the drop-in to a career that's been all killer, no filler. We're talking busting airs over the Great Wall of China and the Hard Rock Guitar – this dude is straight-up gnarly!
Way's not just a ripper; he's a pioneer. He was the first skater to get hooked up by DC Shoes, and his brand, Plan-B, is stacked with a crew of heavy hitters who are constantly crushing it at comps like the X Games and the Olympics.
Not only that, he is the founder of Element 115 Kratom. A great new entry to the Kratom space with great products and amazing people working with them. They have teamed up to help this event happen. So be sure to stop by their booth #10174
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Photos by Mike Blabac
Hold up, it gets even better! CHAMPS is teaming up with Way and California Skateworks to bring the massive vert ramp from the 2024 X Games straight to the show floor! Get ready to witness insane airs, mind-blowing tech, and a whole lotta steeze as pro skaters throw down for cash in daily demos.
This epic throwdown is part of the new Streetstyle Section at CHAMPS, where you can scope out the freshest threads, sickest skate gear, and all the latest drops. Skate culture and smoke culture roll hand in hand, and this is the spot to be to connect with the illest brands and stay ahead of the curve
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Here's the deal:
• See legends like Danny Way, Bucky Lasek, Eliot Sloan, and more shred in person.
• Experience the X Games ramp vibes at CHAMPS.
• Score the freshest gear and catch the latest trends.
• Kick it with the biggest names in the industry.
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Calling all shredders! We don’t wanna leave you out! Bring your A-game to the Streetstyle Skatepark and compete for cash and prizes. Judges will be posted up daily from 11 am to 1 pm to check out the talent and register skaters to compete. Your Shop could bring home the gold!
Don't be a kook. Get to CHAMPS Trade shows and be part of this epic event! February 12th-15th 2025
By Amear Moretall
The cannabis consumption landscape has undeniably shifted. Vape carts and disposables, with their convenience and portability, have taken a significant bite out of the handblown pipe market. But don't despair, glass enthusiasts! There are still plenty of ways to rekindle the love for these intricate works of art and drive sales.
1. Highlight the Artistry and Uniqueness:
Emphasize the Craft:
Position handblown pipes as artisanal creations, highlighting the skill, time, and creativity involved in their production. Showcase the unique qualities of each piece – the colors, patterns, and techniques that make it one-of-a-kind.
Collaborate with Artists:
Partner with local glassblowers to host in-store demonstrations, workshops, or exhibitions. This allows customers to connect with the artists and appreciate the craftsmanship firsthand.
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Offer Customization:
Allow customers to personalize their pipes with custom colors, designs, or engravings. This adds a unique touch and increases the perceived value of the piece.
2. Focus on the Experience:
Elevate the Ritual:
Promote the handblown pipe experience as a ritualistic and enjoyable way to consume cannabis. Emphasize the sensory aspects – the feel of the glass, the visual appeal, and the smoother, cooler smoke.
Create a " Connoisseur" Culture:
Cultivate a community around handblown pipes, hosting events, tastings, or competitions to foster appreciation and knowl edge sharing.
Offer Educational Content:
Provide resources on the history of glassblowing, different techniques, and how to properly care for handblown pipes. This adds value and empowers customers.
3. Adapt to the Market:
Embrace Hybrid Designs:
Cater to the evolving market by offering handblown pipes with attachments or features compatible with concentrates or dry herbs, appealing to a wider range of consumers. Carry attachments made for digital vapes. Many artists carry handblown art attachments for brands like Puffco. Carry these as upsell upgrades.
Explore
Online Marketplaces:
Utilize online platforms specializing in handcrafted goods or cannabis accessories to reach a broader audience and showcase your unique pieces.
Offer Competitive Pricing:
While handblown pipes command a premium, be mindful of the competition. Offer tiered pricing or occasional promotions to attract price-conscious customers. Always ask your local artisans for “China beaters” for your low-end market.
4. Leverage the "Buy Local" Movement:
Source Locally:
Partner with local glassblowers to showcase and support local talent. This resonates with consumers who value community and sustainability.
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HybridPipe
