Fantasy Pro Shop for Figure Skaters

[FigureSpins]

I've had this daydream for a while that a nationwide retailer would step up and start carrying real figure skating equipment and clothing.  With the shutdown of Rainbo Sports and Tidewater Ice, that fantasy seems so much more attractive, although I know the skate fitting/sharpening would be a major challenge.

Ah well, let's daydream together...
What would you want to see a Fantasy Pro Shop carry and what services would they provide for figure skaters?

[Live2Sk8]

Someone who can capably recommend and fit every major brand of skate, and who carries a reasonable amount of stock to try on in various sizes.

[davincisop]

1. Stock brands of skates in various sizes so they can be tried on.
2. Stock various blades from low to high level.
3. Variety of skating pants for both kids AND adults.
4. Variety of skating jackets for both kids AND adults.
5. Skating accessories such as skate towels, guards, and soakers.
6. Skating tights in all shades for the entire skin color spectrum.
7. A competent fitter on site.
8. A competent sharpener on site.

[fsk8r]

Someone who can capably recommend and fit every major brand of skate, and who carries a reasonable amount of stock to try on in various sizes.

I think Cyclone Taylor in Canada is pretty close to stocking most major brands and having stock in to try various sizes. Or at least they did have when I visited.

But I'd just like skate sharpening less than 60miles away so I don't have to reorganise my life quite so often to get the blades sharpened. And opening hours I've got a chance to be able to actually make.

Having an array of skating clothing in a range of sizes so I can actually try them on for fit would also be nice (and changing facilities).

[Query]

Do we have to be realistic? I'll assume not, so...

A full variety of rental high level blades, so you can try different types...

There are maybe 3 - 10 really, really good skate technicians in the world, that people travel hundreds of miles or more to visit, and overnight ship their skates to for sharpening. For many people, those are the dream shops. Get one of those people.

A really first class podiatrist on site, who specializes in skaters. There are only a few of those in the world too.

Also, the companies that make custom boots are really dream places for many people to visit for fittings. How about scheduled visits by first class factory approved fitters?

Definitely an ice rink right there, so the tech can watch you try to skate on their blades, with all-day public sessions and well maintained ice. At the very least, enough surface to try out your skates and blades - say 5' x 25'.

Oh, and can I get a job there?

[rd350]

Every skate there is in every size to try!!

Same for blades and while we're at it, a combination of the two and hey, if we are fantasizing, a rink to try it out on, nicely zamboni'd.   

[AgnesNitt]

Skate sharpening lessons . Yes I would buy my own sharpener.

[ChristyRN]

Skating attire that fits women with boobs, hips and stomachs. And an on-site seamstress to fit said attire so that inappropriate body parts are completely covered and supported. 

[Christy]

Skating attire that fits women with boobs, hips and stomachs. And an on-site seamstress to fit said attire so that inappropriate body parts are completely covered and supported. 

Oh, if only..... There definitely seems to be a market, just a shame I can't sew!!

Would also love the opportunity to test different blades.

[FigureSpins]

I know that <snip>

Sorry, I confused you.  This is a thread to daydream about the perfect pro shop, not to garner names of real shops.

I'd like to see warm pants for shorter coaches that are warm and comfortable without being form-fitted or too long.  Many dressier athletic pants have hem zippers which makes shortening them difficult.  For many manufacturers, "petite" means "underweight." 

I'd also like to see pro shops that not only sell blade guards, but they cut them to fit and assemble them.  I can't tell you how many newbs carry guards in their skate bags, most still in the plastic, that need to be cut and assembled. 

[Neverdull44]

Fun skating accessories.   Like T-shirts with cute figure skating sayings, fancy hair things, skating jewelry, antiques, skating statues & art, skating videos/dads, skating books, skate spinners, USFSA pins,  . . . and markers in every color for coaches!