Downtown Moncton has been known for many things, but something that is quite new and unique to the downtown area is Working Class. Owned and operated by 32-year-old Justin Allain, Working Class is a menswear retail store, a skate shop, and most recently a barber shop.
Justin was a skateboarder who moved away to pursue a career in the sport. He got the opportunity to open Working Class in 2015 when the other local skate shops were closing.
“I grew up in an environment where the skate shop was the heart of the skateboard scene.”
The male-focused retail store is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the ever-changing clientele. It previously housed a tattoo parlour and has been involved in organizing events such as their recent Taco Bar for Moncton Taco Week.
Products found in Working Class vary from Levi’s and Vans, to streetwear and skateboard brands. The inventory reflects the latest trends so that customers can grab the hotter-to-find items as well as all men’s basics.
Allain might never have imagined himself opening his own business, but he is ecstatic over the fact that he was able to move back home and create something unique and fitting within downtown Moncton.
“I couldn’t picture Moncton not having a skateboard shop. Plus, my family is here, and it just made a whole lot more sense for me to come back to my roots, to become part of my community again.”
When you walk into Working Class, Allain and his staff make sure you feel like you’re getting the absolute best customer service. He knows that in order to connect with people and to make them feel valued, you have to focus on the customer experience, not just on selling the products.
And that’s exactly what he’s achieved with the ever-changing downtown business — an experience like no other.
But launching a business isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Allain has faced many challenges, especially as a young entrepreneur. He shares that time management was very challenging. “When you’re starting off, you need to put a lot of time into your business. As much as being your own boss is great, it’s also the most challenging part for me.” He goes on to say that “it’s stressful to go into the unknown, to leave a stable job and start your own business. But all of that is outweighed by the rewards that come with opening a business that is so well received.”
Visit Working Class during their business hours at 70 Waterloo St, just across from Euston Park Social.
About the author :
Carmen LeBlanc is a local blogger here in Moncton, NB. She works as a content creator to help local businesses and brands to share their story and to make connections. Her blog Tiny Adventures Journey focuses on supporting local, minimalism, and sustainability. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to her blog by clicking here: www.tinyadventuresjourney.com
