By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Paliskates has partnered with pop-punk musician Avril Lavigne for a limited-edition sweatshirt drop—with 100% of proceeds going to support the rebuilding and reopening of the Swarthmore shop.
“In the wake of the devastating Palisades fire that destroyed iconic local skate shop Paliskates, global music superstar Avril Lavigne is stepping up to help the shop rise from the ashes,” read information shared from Paliskates.
The female-run small business, with Erica Simpson at the helm, has roots in the community that date back 25-plus years.
“The shop has become more than a retail space—it’s a second home for generations of skaters and surfers,” Simpson said. “What began as a hub for local kids has grown into a multi-generational community, with parents now bringing their own children to share in the vibe and values they grew up with. We are proud to support up-and-coming skaters, sponsor local events and give young people a safe place to hang out and create.”
The sweatshirt, “designed with love” by Lavigne and team, is constructed from “premium” fleece, designed with an “oversized fit, drop shoulder and no drawcord for a deconstructed modern style.” It launched on May 6 and is available while supplies last at the Paliskates website for $188.
Lavigne and Paliskates first collaborated earlier this year for the Grammy Awards, where Lavigne made an appearance in a commercial for the shop that aired throughout the show to promote local businesses that were affected by the January fires.
“Paliskates is more than a store—it’s a place where skaters and artists have called home for over 25 years,” Lavigne said in a statement. “After meeting Erica and hearing her story, I knew I wanted to continue our relationship further. It’s going to take years to rebuild the community that was lost, but I know the community is strong, and with businesses like Paliskates leading the way, it will come back stronger. Doing this merch drop is one piece of helping them regain what the fire took away.”
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