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 Roller
blading is life for Skate 2000 owner Ludvick Paillere; seven days a
week, morning 'til night.
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Chad Connolly, a 14-year-old student
at Palmetto High School, with
Skate 2000 owner Ludvick Paillere
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Skate 2000 doesn't just sell skates, boards and
related paraphernalia. It offers free skate classes from 10 a.m. - 12
p.m. on Sunday mornings, Friday night skate events at a 20,000 square
foot arena in Pompano (with handy take-home service) and group skates
to various destinations, such as to The Falls or Coconut Grove.
Paillere and a partner purchased their store from a
Skate 2000 franchise five years ago and have seen their Dadeland Plaza
business grow steadily over the years.
"We watch customers' phone calls, see what the
local kids want and keep our costs down by ordering from the
Internet," Paillere explained. "Our customers are on top of
the trends."
The roller blade industry has seen tremendous
technological changes in the past 10 years. Large ski companies like
K2, Solomon and Technica have put their newest technology into skates.
The result is better products with improved precision.
According to Paillere, they have also experienced a
tremendous increase in word-of-mouth sales. Sometimes, however, a
customer will come in and want the same skate that his or her friend
has. That may also be an uncomfortable mistake.
"Everyone has a different foot," Paillere
said. "When people listen to friends about the best skate to buy,
it may be right for them but wrong for the other person.
"Get what is most comfortable," Paillere
advises. "Don't just go for brand because most bearings and
wheels are upgradeable."
The staff at Skate 2000 tries to bend over backward to
be courteous and give the best service and prices. In fact, they have
created a full "skate culture" in the store, where kids hang
out, families meet and where you can get fully outfitted for any kind
of skating,
from aggressive to recreational to ice. They also
offer a junior half-back program, which means if your child outgrows
the skates within one year of purchase, Skate 2000 will buy them back
for 50 percent of the original cost and apply it to a new pair of
blades. They also guarantee the best skate prices in town.
When done properly, skating is fun, safe, builds
confidence and has great cardiovascular benefits. Paillere advises
beginning skating at a young age, before the "fear factor"
sets in. Most important, he says, is for people of all ages and skill
levels to always use protective gear.
"The biggest skating injuries we see are
wrist-related," Paillere said. "The first thing you use to
break a fall is your hand."
Skate technology has actually come down in price and
has become a more acceptable mode to get around. The latest commuter
skate by Street Flyers looks like a tennis shoe with wheels.
"We have great customers." Paillere
added. And indeed, they get a steady stream from Miyako,
Churchill's, Lots of Lox and all the other stores in the mall.
Don't forget to take advantage of the shop's rental
dollars, and the Skate 2000 Value Club. Get one point for every $50
you spend; get five points and receive a $25 store credit.
Like to cruise by boat and wheels? Check out Jamaica
Me Crazy, an in-line skate cruise and half-marathon in Jamaica October
4-15. There's an in-line track, ice skate rink, mini -golf, a
basketball court and so much more on board for the sports lover.
For more information, call l-888-202-5090 or Skate
2000 at 305-556-6770; stop by the store, 9525 S. Dixie Highway, in
Dadeland Plaza; or visit the website at www.skate2000.com for the
latest in skating news.
Happy blading!
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