STOCKIST FEATURE: LEEWARD SURF

 

Dive into this week's Stockist Feature with another rad place to shop Muttonhead; Leeward Surf. Located on the Leeside of the Oregon Coast Range, Leeward Surf focuses on quality goods made to last and brave the waters, not to mention any other beach adventures their clientele needs gearing up for. Their artistic and laid back feel fits right in with the Muttonhead vibe, so if you ever find yourself taking a trip to our neighbours across the way, be sure to stop in for some souvenirs and a surf!

 

 

 

Q

WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO MUTTONHEAD, AND WHY DID YOU PURSUE BECOMING A STOCKIST?

 A

I came across Muttonhead for the first time at Capsule in Las Vegas. I was immediately drawn in by the minimalist and unisex designs. Upon looking further i realized the fabrics and sensibility was perfect for our NW climate. It was a major bonus that you guys manufacture everything in North America. We’re always looking for ways to reduce our footprint.

 

Q

STAFF AT YOUR SHOP: FAMILY, FRIENDS, ONE MAN SHOW? HOW DOES YOUR TEAM WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A WELCOMING AND INTERACTIVE STOREFRONT FOR YOUR CUSTOMER BASE?

 A

Since we are so new we are really a small team. My brother and I own the shop together. He’s based in Florida currently but has a lot of influence on our board buying and marketing efforts. The shop is staffed by myself, my husband and our awesome part time employee, Simon. Our goal first and foremost is to create an inviting space for our customers to not just shop, but to hang out and share ideas and stories with us and with one another.  

 The shop is designed with this in mind; In the centre of the store sits a comfy (and stylish) blue velvet couch. We always have surf film up on the projector. We love to chat with and get to know our customers.

 

 

Q

WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER, AND HOW DO YOU LIKE TO CONNECT WITH THEM / KEEP THEM IN THE LOOP REGARDING NEW ARRIVALS?

A

Our customers are surfers, artists, designers/creative types, outdoorsy people, yoga enthusiasts, van-lifers and more. I think the common thread is a desire to connect with the coast/ the ocean in some way.  

 We connect with them mostly through our Instagram account; that probably gives folks the best sense of our day-to-day. We also do a weekly newsletter, and regularly post to Facebook. We do a lot of events at the shop which is great opportunity to see our customers face to face. With that said, we are excited to be launching our e-commerce site this summer!

 

 

Q

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ATMOSPHERE OF YOUR STORE? IS IT A COZY SPACE, OR IS IT A MINIMALISTS DREAM? DESCRIBE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN WHICH YOUR SHOP IS LOCATED. DOES IT HAVE A FAMILY FEEL, OR IS IT YOUNG AND TRENDY?

 A

I think our atmosphere of the store is cosy while retaining a sense of cleanliness. We have a lot of natural light, bright white walls, and wood accents. Wavy cedar shakes take over the white space above our cash wrap. There’s also tons of plants.

We designed the store with coastal architecture in mind. The goal is to make people feel like they’ve been transported to a dreamy coastal getaway when they enter the shop. The store definitely leans into a boutique aesthetic, but we want it to feel open and accessible to everyone.  

 

 

Q

DO YOU PRIMARILY CARRY LOCAL PRODUCTS? IF SO, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE & COLOUR WAY FROM THE MUTTONHEAD SS17 COLLECTION AND WHICH PIECES ARE YOUR STRONGEST SELLERS?

A

We try to carry brands that focus on sustainable manufacturing. We believe that manufacturing in north America is a great way to not only reduce our environmental footprint, but helps to ensure better wages and working conditions, while offering customers a better quality product that will last longer and stay out of the landfill as well.

 My favourite has got to be the 3-Way Waterproof Pant in Navy. They are perfect for early morning surf sessions in the Northwest. In the Northwest we usually have to hike down to the beach (often in the rain) for a session, so we need functional clothes that can keep us protected from the elements (rain/cold). These pants are super cosy, comfy, and rain/mist/fog proof, all while looking good.

 Our strongest seller so far has definitely been the Waterproof Camping Hoodie. They are perfect for our rainy Northwest spring.

 

Q

IF YOU HAD TO PICK A MUTTONHEAD OUTFIT FOR A CAMPING TRIP WHICH PIECES WOULD BE IN YOUR PACK?

 A

3-Way Waterproof Pants, Quilted Crew, and Waterproof Camping Hoodie for sure!

 

 

 

Instagram & facebook: @leewardsurfnw