Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul.
Hi Paul, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The year was 1987. US was coming out of a depression. However, Texas, specially Houston was still struggling with a slow economy and the failure of Savings and Loan institutions. I was working in partnership with my brother selling ready to wear dress apparel, like a Men’s warehouse (on a smaller scale). Retail was extremely bad. I heard from friends and the marketplace that Atlanta’s economy was improving. So, I packed my bags and spent one month in Atlanta, walking the downtown streets looking for a store. I found one on Peachtree street, next to the five point station. The landlord refused to rent me the space. They said, ‘We cannot rent you the location as you are not from Georgia’. My response, rent me the store and I will become a Georgia native’ I did not get the location.
While I was in Atlanta and walking the streets in downtown. I noticed a small store selling sneakers and he had a crowd. An idea sprung into my head. I can sell sneakers in Houston and make it an experience for my clients.
The journey began when I came back and acquired a location on Cullen Blvd (my flagship store) in 1988. Only 1250 sq. ft. No investment money, no knowledge of sneakers and no idea how to set it up. Just sheer determination to succeed.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Success is not always smooth to achieve. If it were then we would not appreciate the results.
There have been many bumps along the way. To name a few, frequent break-ins, cash crunch to keep the wheel turning, major brands not accepting a new player in the market, etc.
We’ve been impressed with Active Athlete Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Active Athlete, I believe is the oldest independent sneaker store since 1988 in Texas. We offer our clients, unique brands, customer service, community engagement and easy turnaround. We feel the pulse of the consumer and are willing and able to adapt to changes relatively quickly.
The one thing that sets us apart from the rest is, the experience we offer the consumers. The story telling within brand hookups and staying with the trends.
We are proud of our consistency with caring and community give back.
We would like your readers to continue the journey with us in store and on digital platforms
What are your plans for the future?
We would like to continue our journey providing the best in customer service and selection.
The stores will be undergoing remodeling for the third time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.activeathlete88.com
- Instagram: @activeathlete88
