Talking Shop with Chicago’s Windward Boardshop

A good shop’s impact on its local community goes way beyond providing quality gear and personal service. We’re putting a spotlight on shops across North America to find out how they do it, which brings us to Windward Boardshop in Chicago, Illinois.

Established in 1982, the Windward staff proudly claims the title of Customer Satisfaction Specialists. With two locations in Chicago, one right downtown and the other a quick drive north of town in Highland Park, Windward is the biggest shop of its kind in the greater Illinois region. Stocked with gear for four season’s worth of boardsports, Windward was originally a windsurfing shop – not surprising for a shop in the “Windy City.” That said, the weather gets aggressively cold around the Great Lakes, and winter hits in full force.

A tight knit snowboard community is alive and thriving thanks to small resorts like Wilmot Mountain and Alpine Valley Resort just a quick drive north of town, as well as the support of community hubs like Windward breathing life into the scene.

Their priorities are bent on providing high-quality service that caters to every type of customer, and equally to enrich their local community through the joy of standing sideways. Leading the charge to make snowboarding a part of their regional culture, they open up a space for more than just retail. They give riders a place to interact, have fun, and connect with the scene.

You know they’re all riders, but the key is that they’re plugged in, and passionate about sharing their experiences. Demo days, ladies nights, product giveaways, social contests – you name it, they’re doing it. On top of that, they’ve formed partnerships with local organizations, including the Chill Foundation, which inspires youth to overcome challenges through boardsports. Through their outreach and activity, Windward sets a great example of what a city snowboard shop can be.

So, the next time you’re in Chicago, or are looking for a quality online dealer for the best snowboarding gear on the market, acquaint yourself with the good folks at Windward.∆