Bag Lady: CC Rider SF at 835 Divisadero

SFist:: What is CC Rider SF?
CC Rider: CC Rider is a cozy little hole-in-the wall shop that pays homage to the 60’s and 70’s by showcasing locally hand crafted and hard to find items. CC Rider was born after tracking down individuals and artists who share a passion for these same sort of values and wanted to participate in the creation of an affordable lifestyle collection.
SF: What do you sell?
CC: Vintage rocker shirts, denim, sneakers, lace up boots, stilettos, skate mags, a select collection of collectible skateboards, locally handcrafted belts and leather goods, T-shirts, outerwear, vintage eyewear, flannels, posters, photographs, skate and art videos, photobooks, trash novels, vintage photography books, culture books, zines, badges, buttons, vintage clothing, deadstock items, handcrafted jewelry, handmade items, gifts, rocker paraphernalia, chicken foot charms, art prints, tailored dresses.

Insofar as brand names, we sell Cheap Monday, Kill City, Look from London, WESC, Keep Shoes, Altru Apparel, Thrasher T’s, Vans, Blood Wizard, Rebel 8, Lowcard, Vintage Casio, Rare Eyewear, Vintage Pendleton, Maximumrocknroll, Worn Free, Featherwitch, The Feathered Leopard, and tons more..

SF: How long has CC Rider been in business?
CC: 2 Years. We used to be located on Haight and Divisadero but recently relocated to Fulton and Divisadero in between Minibar and Everlasting Tattoo.
SF: Most popular item(s) and why?
CC: I would say our staple vintage and handmade local jewelry are the best sellers at the store. Our T-shirts rule too. We have shirts that aren't mass manufactured or blanketed under this shell of luxist paraphernalia.
SF: Tell us a bit about the owners:
CC: Honestly, the customers are the owners since they dictate if we are able to keep our doors open or not. We try and do our best to listen to them and find out what they're on the hunt for, what nostalgic items they may be looking for, what they like in fits and fabrics and styles .. etc.. We like to think that the community owns the store.
SF: In which neighborhood are you located?
CC: Its located on the Divisadero Corridor.
SF: Why did you choose the neighborhood?
CC: I kind of chose this neighborhood by default, but luckily you do get a mix of all walks of life, and a real sense of community and respect for the neighborhood. It's rad.
SF: How has the neighborhood worked for you?
The neighborhood has been the biggest supporter of the store. A lot of our best clients have become friends who also live right around the store. We all hang out and we love meeting new neighbors. There's always an influx of neighborhood newbies when schools get back in and regulars who have been here for years. I love the flow and the energy of the area.
SF: What is the best thing about running a business like yours in San Francisco?
CC: The fact that people are willing to support a little bit of artistic vision and eccentricity. In fact, being totally down to embrace it. A little treasure trove hole in the wall that the community identifies with. San Francisco, and especially the area we are in has been associated with many cultural movements over this century, and I believe its an ongoing essence of the city and will be for years to come.
SF: What was the inspiration for your store?
CC: My subconscious indulgences, a love for rock and roll, craftsmanship, all things handmade, and the sport of rebellion and style.
SF: Who designed your store, and tell us about the aesthetic?
CC: The design of the store is always a work in progress and constantly evolving, but the current interior of the store was partially built by us, and partially built by our friends Kelly Malone and Charles Hurbert. They had a store here in the same space that had awesome hand made items and vintage in the space before us, called Still Life. Charles and Kelly have since moved on to other adventures (Kelly runs the seasonal Indie Mart and Workshop on McAllister - a super rad new venture that hosts art classes, shows, and other good stuff).
SF: Describe, if you can, CC Rider's typical clientele?
CC: I wouldn't say that we have a customer that is "typical", cause we like to cater to people who have a good sense of individuality - but I would say our favorite clientele is someone who loves, well made things with a sense of history or quality craftsmanship.
SF: What is your view on style in San Francisco?
CC: Casual, layered, individual........Flannel.....for some reason...... everyone wears flannel. Well, no, I guess not for "some" reason.. its pretty obvious.. not just because it's been in fashion this past couple years, but because its a staple layering piece...When that brutal SF fog rolls in you gotta have those multi-weather layering pieces to keep the bone chilling wind out.
SF: What is your store’s philosophy? What is your ultimate goal (aside fromhttp://authors.gothamistllc.com/mt/mt.fcgi?__mode=view&_type=entry&id=376701&blog_id=9 success, which is a given)?
CC: That people should drape themselves in things that make them feel happy, function for the environment in which they live, and make them feel unique and driven to beat to their own rhythms.
SF: How do you choose the pieces sold (clothing, accessories, art, whatever)?
CC: It's just one of those things. When you see it, you know. It’s well made, it’s interesting, it’s not horribly mass produced (unless its vintage and somehow an amusing insight into former societal behavior), it makes me excited with nostalgia, and its artistically significant to the time and taste of the store.
SF: Aside from your own, what are your top 3 favorite stores in SF?
CC: Ameoba (best selection of Lp's across the board, hands down), Rainbow Grocery, and Parklife (amazing little art and book store in the Richmond; great place to grab a good read and some good inspiration).
SF: What makes your store unique?
CC: The creative collective of individuals who design and source quality product devised to make your brain swirl and teeth grin.
SF: Anything else you want to tell us?
CC: Thank you SFist. Thank you San Francisco.
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CC Rider SF
835 Divisadero Street
Open Daily 12pm-7:30pm