Konkrete City Skateboard Shop in Mt. Washington looks as if it could fit in with the upscale clothing and art boutiques in Hyde Park and Oakley. Transformed from an old, torn up pizza parlor into a completely renovated store with bamboo floors and white bright walls, this unique skateboard shop brings a new life to the neighborhood and businesses of Mt. Washington.
Independently owned by Toby Thompson and Adam Tilley, Konkrete City offers skateboards and apparel with the goal of providing a safe place to hang out for shoppers and kids interested in skateboarding.
"Our business promotes local business, the little guy which is the backbone of the entire community," says Toby Thompson. "Owning a small business makes me feel like I can contribute to my city and my neighborhood by giving back to the community, which is extremely important to me."
In business for two years now, Thompson stays involved with his shoppers by hosting special events including skateboarding demonstrations and parties.
"With skateboarding, it's a unique industry. It's an unorganized sport with no teams but everybody hangs out together. We've always been seen as the outcasts in society, so for us, Konkrete City is a place to meet, communicate, and keep kids off the streets," Thompson said.
Both Tilley and Thompson grew up in Cincinnati and wanted to keep their shop within city limits. Thompson, who's mom previously owned a skateboard store, traveled outside of Cincinnati for a while but came back to his roots.
"I think Cincinnati is very underrated. It's a big city with a small city feel. The city has a lot to offer."
Writer: Lisa Ensminger
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