Fourosix

While wandering the street of downtown Helena, Mr. Hottie and I decided to check out Fourosix. I was immediately impressed by the modern store with cool skater/​snowboarder gear! The store had clean lines and was nicely organized. We were greeted and allowed to browse the store without any sales pressure. A lot of Fourosix’s products are higher end, higher quality pieces. Anything from caps to boards can be found here.
One thing that I did not like is that their sizes run small. I tried on a large t-​shirt and could barely squeeze into it, I thought maybe I had drank too much Moose Drool over the weekend until the store attendant (found out he was the owner later) told me that the sizes run small and advised me to try on the men’s shirt (which run small for men). He also told us that he uses American Apparel as his t-​shirt source. Yeah, I don’t know why American Apparel does their sizes so small but it irritated me. ANYWHO, I decided I would buy a sweater that was fleece lined. I still love that sweater! Mr. Hottie picked out some Fourosix stickers which were really cool.
Overall, I like the store. It’s higher end and the owner is very friendly!

I met Papu (the owner) probably in 2004 or so, back when he was working at a local board shop. Awesome guy, who’s a true member of the Helena community. More impressive, he still remembers me, even though I might see him once a year or so now that I no longer live in Helena (or even Montana for that matter).
I walked in on Black Friday 2009, and Papu sees me and greets me warmly with a hug, and excited to see me. We chat a little, but it’s busy.
Anyway, I love the designs of the shirts and things he sells. Locally designed, screened on American Apparel clothing — very nice.
The impact of the store on the community is impressive as well. It’s been there for a little over two years (opened in 2007), but the number of cars and trucks I saw in town with fourOsix (a play on 406, Montana’s area code) decals was impressive. They also have all ages shows in the store on weekends, which fills a much needed void for folks in the community, not to mention sponsoring local skate and board events.
On the way out of the store, I was surprised to see Moment skis in the window (handmade in Reno) — apparently he’s one of three dealers in Montana.
Yea for super rad small businesses, finding their niche and doing well.