Barrio Skateshop (El Paso location)

"We want people to have a passion for it and we want to help everybody." - Mago. 

This skate shop is like no other, especially in the city of El Paso. You walk in and you immediately notice the  black floor and walls. It makes all the colorful boards and shirts stand out. Not only that but upon entering Barrio Skateshop there is a large black couch and behind it there are many plants including Bougainvilleas, which remained me of Guadalajara. Although entering a legitimate skateshop can be intimidating at first, especially for someone like me who knows how to skate a little, here is not the case. Mago, manager at Barrio (pictured below), is always ready to greet. 

This establishment was started by Emmanuel Urbina around 2007 where it's old location is a few blocks down the new one. The concept behind barrio skate shop was to open up a local store with solely skateboards, skate apparel, and skate equipment unlike other stores that digress from the main concept. 

The only downside of having a store in downtown El Paso, is that there was a law that was passed forbidding this. However, Barrio has kept their great attitude up and encourages people to not get discouraged and show how united the skate community is. 

This store is special because not only are they there to sell you quality material, but also help. Mago mentioned, "sometimes guys come in without being able to afford a skateboard and what we do is collect old boards that people don't need and we take them to Juarez and give them to those that need it the most. We want to help out with what we can." There is satisfaction in seeing these guys receive boards and being so grateful. 

Barrio Skateshop also does video collaborations, for example they recently did a video with one of the compound guys called Still Ill. It can be found on Youtube. Barrio is always ready to help. 

Something that Mago mentioned is the changing skate scene. In which, "it is no longer desired to have the biggest brand name, but rather an "underground" brand. The downside to this is that a lot of people are wanting to skate again because of a trend. It is important to have passion while doing this and stay true to it."

It is evident that this shop has a lot of heart and the employees and owner are so caring. They love the sport, so much that they accommodate to people's needs, which is so thoughtful and so unique. There is no other shop like this in El Paso or Juarez. They want the skate community to grow. This is an authentic skate shop. If you are looking to invest in a skateboard or get more involved in the skate community, this is the place to go.  


Follow them on Instagram: barrioskateshop

Located: 110 S Oregon 79901
                Noche Triste #238 locales

Thank you so much guys!