High Five w/Aaron Levant

Who is Aaron? He’s the guy that brought a change in how trade-shows run in this industry (Agenda), he’s the guy that big brands now sit down with and ask favours from, he’s also that guy that loves to help new brands get a leg up and more importantly he loves a good time and sharing it with mates – see, y’don’t have to be a prick to be successful in this world…

Given the amount of brands and retailers that Aaron deals with on a daily basis we thought it’d be neat to ask him what brands/retailers are doing a bang up job right now in the US. Five from each. Here they are:

I don’t want to say that any one brand or retailers is better then anyone else but there are people I think are doing a great job right now.

Top Five Retailers:
Zumiez

Doing a great job of staying true to who they are and keeping young brands in the mix. (ed note: plus have you seen their couch tour? amazing)

photo via Danielle
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Karmaloop

The best selection of products, you would be hard pressed to find a retailer with that array of brands and styles per brand and the best prices, also with addition the KarmaloopTV no one can touch them
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Boylston Trading Co

Something new and fresh and the only place in the US you can get most of these brands, they are also doing more then just selling the products they are telling you lots of details about the products and the propel behind them.
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Primitive

Best new Skate/Street retailer in a few years and their ability to promote and put out major collaborations is second to none.
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Union Made

They are really at the for front of selling top Made in USA brands and this is a really important point of difference from all other retailers in the US

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Top Five Brands:

Herschel Supply Co

Freshest Product, Clasic, Simple, No Hype Marketing, All about great items at a great price
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The Hundreds

Most creative Collaborations of any brand I’m seeing in the market, and doing an amazing job of talking to their core consumer through their web page blog. They have created a real community around their brand
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OBEY

Best Artwork, Doing an amazing job is not letting the brand get too blown out no matter how much hype they get and always working on cool project, but most of all there is a great team of people behind this brand and thats what will make the last over other brands.
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Shwood

Point of difference in the market, original concept, limited supply and made in the USA, you cant beat these guys right now
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Nike

What can i say to say about Nike, they are at the top of their game in everything they do, from Cool Guy shit to the mass market. Every product is well designed and functional plus they keep pushing the envelop in everything they do as far as innovation and technology.