303 Boards- One of the Hill's Most Popular Shops
Bella Siskind
May 7, 2023
303 Boards worker Jason Barajas watches customers flow on on April 30, 2023.
(Bella Siskind)
303 Boards celebrates 5 years of its Boulder location as one of the most successful businesses on the Hill. 303 is much more than just a skate shop. They offer a plethora of clothing options, shoes, beanies, and more- but their biggest money maker is their custom skateboards. 303 personalizes boards with intricate designs and customizable features, leaving the customer with the ability to choose the color of their wheels, bindings, and more.
Store Manager Michael Parris (left) helps new customers personalize their boards with a variety of body and wheel options.
(Bella Siskind)
303 customer service worker Jason Barajas explains the business. "We have been open at this location on the hill for 5 years, and as an entity of a business 303 has been around for going on 26 years," Barajas says. "We pretty much help run the shop, pretty much for all purposes. Kind of like gripping boards, selling stuff, and we do other side stuff if we have to like go to the warehouse."
Inside 303; wheels, bindings, and more enclosed in glass display cases for customers to choose from.
(Bella Siskind)
When asked if they put together boards, Barajas exclaimed "Oh all day. Just building brand new or completing boards. Somebody walks in and says 'oh I need this complete right now' and we do it." 303 prides itself on its customer service, and its reputation remains the best skate shop in Boulder. They have customers that are first time skaters, and they help them build boards to fit their skill level.
The wall of boards catches the eyes of passerbyers, leading them into the shop.
(Bella Siskind)
303 carries famous shoe brands such as Vans and Nike. When a new shoe drop comes out, Barajas explains, "We will have times where the line is going from right here (storefront) into the alleyway and down to Walgreens. People will call and be like 'how long is the line' and i'm like 'I can't even look out the door!'"
303 Boards carries many brands, including clothing from local artists. Customers can find the limited brand "Colfax" here, created and made in Colorado.
(Bella Siskind)
303 Boards is Boulder's go to store for great vibes, cool gear, and quality products. 303 offers its board building services during all operating hours, and accepts walk-ins or appointments. Barajas explains how the shop draws people in and maintains its customer base. "That's what's so fun about the board wall and why it's almost overwhelming at a point, because you can make it your own, in any way", Barajas says.