Kicky new store caters to guys

Agenda, a new sneaker boutique created for stylish dudes, has opened its doors at 763 S. Coast Hwy. in Laguna Beach.

The 400-square-foot shop carries a variety of sneakers designed with themes of skate, punk, rock and hip-hop, and clothing lines like Chocolate, Kill City, New Balance and Mrytle.

Sole proprietor Angie Pate said the collection she’s chosen for the store is for active men who want to make a statement.

“Our target customer is an active male age 15 to 45 with impeccable style,�� she said. “They are extremely interested in sneakers and clothing that sets them apart from others.��

Agenda also carries a limited selection of skateboard decks.

Pate has designed the store to have an “urban chic�� feel. The merchandise is highlighted in an artistic fashion, setting their displays apart from other athletic stores.

Another funky element Pate has added is a featured artist every month.

“We look for artists who [represent] what we are all about,�� she said.

One of her favorite local artists, Zoey Stevens, displayed his recent works during the Aug. 7 Artwalk.

“The pieces that I had on display at Agenda explore the relationship between being environmentally responsible and the consumer hype that many companies are using to exploit the popularity of being green,�� Stevens said.

“I chose Agenda because they are open to what I am doing. Most galleries in the area are a little conservative, perhaps unwilling to show work that may provoke thought or challenge the norm. I felt that Agenda is willing to take risks,�� he said.

Merchandise at the shop runs between $25 and $500.

Agenda is managed by Pate and her husband, Danny Ortega, who both have more than 15 years of retail experience. Pate said business has been “fabulous�� since the June 20 grand opening.

“The community has given great support, and we’ve gotten a lot of compliments on the merchandise,�� she said.

The store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Pate said she chose the name for the store because she wants to make it a part of everyone’s “agenda.��

For more information, visit www.sneakeragenda.com.