7.23.07 my highschool homie Brandon Leung just opened up a new store called BOWLS in San Marino, CA. Brandon comes from an import racing background, but he got burnt out on the fast and furious industry and left it all behind to do this store.
SGV: so please describe the vibe of your store
BRANDON: clean and minimal is what we were after when designing our store. the vibe is very warm and inviting with a vast selection of unique products. everyone always asks what type of boutique we are but we're really not trying to be anything in particular. i like to say we're more of a lifestyle boutique who caters to the next generation of like-minded individuals.
SGV: nice and complete answer
SGV: well, what makes your store different or unique as compared to other "boutiques"?
BRANDON: it seems as if many other boutiques cater to a certain type of clientele. we think the exact opposite. whether it be shoes, apparel, urban vinyl toys, books, bags or optics you're sure to find something cool and unique at our store. in fact, we've been so smitten by the honda ruckus that we're actually importing aftermarket hop-up goods for these things. now tell me that isn't "different".
SGV: before opening the store you worked at HKS and came from a hardcore import tuner background... what's that all about?
BRANDON: ever since i was a kid on my first bmx bike i've always wanted to go faster. cars were the next logical step. i was heavily into modifying import vehicles and parlayed that into a career. i've been lucky enough to work for some of the most respected companies within the automotive aftermarket industry but i also had a desire to strike out on my own and see what i could do as an individual. bowls is the next chapter in my life and as much as i try to segregate myself from anything automotive it always seems to suck me back in. passion never dies.
SGV: the store looks super clean. what made you want to do a store in San Marino?
BRANDON: thanks man. we worked long and hard to get the shop looking like it does and it seems like everyone that stops in feels our spot so i guess that means we did our job. i pretty much lived my entire life in the sgv and felt this would be the best location for our first store. san marino is the most affluent area in the entire sgv and the city is super strict on what type of businesses they let in their city. in fact, i had to go in front of the city council just to get approved for our location. there aren't very many chain or franchised businesses in san marino and i really dig that. gotta support the local mom and pop joints!
SGV: if you had a $500 gift certificate to your store, what would you buy?
BRANDON: leave it to animal chan to ask the most ingenious questions... i can't remember the last time i had 5 bills to spend on anything but since it's summer i'd probably cop an sgv chinese slippers tee because that design is so f'n ill (26USD), some new know1edge jeans we just got in because the cut and materials used are super fresh (100USD), a pair of leather converse jack purcells which are tons more comfy than an all star and still super classic (60USD), black on black LA new era fitted because it goes with every-f'n-thing (34USD), a pair of ray ban wayfarers for the sunny so cal climate (120USD), i've been eyeing this tim tsui designed skate deck that just arrived from hong kong and would make a great addition to my ever-growing collection (100USD), the balance i'd blow on shit for my scooter. i gotta make sure my ruckus is laced up proper too.
SGV:word... thats it... wanna do some shout outs?
BRANDON: bowls would like to thank animal chan and the entire SGV crew for holding it down in the 626 and for offering this great opportunity. ruckus life!
check out BOWLS online
www.bowlsla.com