So, memory and smell are inextricably linked, right? Fresh baked bread, chocolate chip cookies, maybe a good campfire.
But if you're of a certain age and maybe grew up going into, let's say, more core surf shops (I have thoughts on the modern surf shop that I'll express another time), you probably know this smell.
It is the greatest smell in the world. Surf wax (Bubble Gum is my preferred brand), coconut (represented here by the Sex Wax air freshener, but just about any sunscreen works), and neoprene.
That's the smell that greeted my nose any time I walked into the O'Neill surf shop on 41st Avenue during my preteen and teen years.
Add in the visual component of a TV by the front counter showing whatever surf movie on VHS had just come out, giant posters of team riders, and a glass case with stacks of stickers and accessories (wax, croakies, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.) and it's kind of the perfect space.
To me, at least. Some guys want a man cave. I'd be happy to recreate a surf shop interior from the late 80s.